An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources

Visit and post at new Eaglesnesthome Homeschool/Education Blog

2008-07-17T11:16:00.003-04:00

I'd like to invite you to come on over, visit, and post at my new Eaglesnesthome blog:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/eaglesnest .

Check out this sampling of new posts:
Jul. 17, 2008 - Free "Pray for China" Olympic Prayer Band from the Voice of the Martyrs
Jul. 14, 2008 - Free Study Guides, Not Free of Political Correctness
Jun. 27, 2008 - Homeschooling and Charter Schools Shine in New Report, A Nation Accountable: Twenty-five Years After a Nation At Risk
Jun. 24, 2008 - Education and Homeschool Freebies and Cheapies

I hope you visit soon!

Free Movie Study Guide, Expelled

2008-05-21T15:24:00.000-04:00

Have you been "Expelled," yet? If you've seen the movie, and want to learn more, check out the free Expelled Study guide, http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/pdf/expelled_guide.pdf.

Free Webster's 1828 Dictionary, the Constitution, and the Establishment of Religion

2008-04-18T13:56:00.002-04:00

Are you ever perplexed by old English words in the King James Version of the Bible? Would you like to know what America's founding fathers really meant, when they wrote the Constitution?

Now you can, with unlimited free word searches of the1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, http://1828.mshaffer.com/.

Examples to help us understand the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:
"ESTAB'LISHING, ppr. Fixing; settling permanently; founding; ratifying; confirming; ordaining.
ESTAB'LISHMENT, n. The act of establishing, founding, ratifying or ordaining.
1. Settlement; fixed state.
2. Confirmation; ratification of what has been settled or made.
3. Settled regulation; form; ordinance; system of laws; constitution of government.
Bring in that establishment by which all men should be contained in duty.
4. Fixed or stated allowance for subsistence; income; salary.
His excellency--might gradually lessen your establishment.
5. That which is fixed or established; as a permanent military force, a fixed garrison, a local government, an agency, a factory, &c. The king has establishments to support, in the four quarters of the globe.
6. The episcopal form of religion, so called in England.
7. Settlement or final rest.
We set up our hopes and establishment here."
RESPECT'ING, ppr. Regarding; having regard to; relating to. This word, like concerning, has reference to a single word or to a sentence. In the sentence, "his conduct respecting us is commendable," respecting has reference to conduct. But when we say, "respecting a further appropriation of money, it is to be observed, that the resources of the country are inadequate," respecting has reference to the whole subsequent clause or sentence."
--Webster's 1828 Dictionary

We know that the Christian religion was practiced in our government, from the time that Franklin called for prayer in the Constitutional Convention. For more on prayer in government, see http://www.house.gov/forbes/prayer/prayerincongress.htm . They can pray, but kids in school can’t, hmm?

The meaning of the First Amendment seems clear: forbidding Congress from establishing a national religious denomination, modeled after the Church of England. (Note that in definition number 6, establishment was recognized to mean the Episcopal Church in England. How much clearer can this be?) Of course, the phrase "separation of church and state" isn't found in the constitution.

It seems clear; Congress can use money to support religion, as long as it doesn't establish a denomination as the only recognized church. The states may even establish a denomination, if the people wish! You could argue that evolutionism/pantheism has become the established state church, unfortunately. I doubt our founding fathers would approve.

Here's an explanation, regarding the constitutionality of the concept of the separation of church and state:
"The First Amendment to the Constitution plainly states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion ..." Since there can be no federal law on the subject, there appears to be no lawful basis for any element of the federal government – including the courts – to act in this area.

Moreover, the 10th Amendment to the Constitution plainly states that "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are
reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This means that the power to make laws respecting an establishment of religion, having been explicitly withheld from the United States, is reserved to the states or to the people.

Taken together, therefore, the First and 10th Amendments reserve the power to address issues of religious establishment to the different states and their people."--On the establishment of religion: What the Constitution really says, Alan Keyes,
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34270

Homeschool/Education Freebie Round-UP

2008-04-04T12:49:00.002-04:00

Over Easter vacation, we had time to explore some freebies to share with you. Enjoy!

Free sample math DVDS, http://www.mathtutordvd.com/public/department50.cfm

Free 1 year subscription to Home School Connection, http://www.usahomeschool.net

Can your kids add and subtract? Get free help, at http://kidsmemorywizard.com/Expert_Free_Help.html

Free keyboard demo at KinderBach, http://www.kinderbach.com/Demos/demos.htm

Free Reading Readiness kit, and more, from Joyce Herzog's Scaredy Cat Reading System, http://www.teach4mastery.com/free.html

Get a free 3-week trial of Tapestry of Grace (Ancient World), which includes information on creating your own Ancient Egypt lapbook, at http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/egypt

Get a full free lapbook project pack ebook (this quarter you get Amelia Earhart) at http://www.handsofachild.com/shop/Amelia-Earhart-Ebook-P898.aspx.

Free trial of interactive, digital Algebra 1 text, http://www.kineticbooks.com/support/algebratrialonline.php

Free K-12 Social Studies/History lesson plans, http://www.americanheritage.org

Free drawing lessons and ideas, http://barkercreek.com/lessons.php

Free samples of print, video, audio Latin, Greek, and more, http://www.classicalsubjects.com

Free publications about Distance Education http://www.detc.org/freePublications.html

Freebies from Gary North, Tips for affordable, self-funded college at http://www.garynorth.com/college--self-funded.pdf

Free demo of Talking Fingers software, http://www.talkingfingers.com/demo

Get a free monthly e-book, http://www.TheOldSchoolhouseStore.com (click on e-book tab)

Free Typical Course of Study from World Book http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Students?curriculum

Students for Life Youtube Video--When Is a Human Not a Human?

2008-03-19T15:32:00.004-04:00

Dr. Seuss taught us that "a person's a person no matter how small." Some people may ask, when is a human not a human?

No, I'm not talking in riddles. Students for Life of America (SFLA) has released a new video, recorded at the Feminist Majority Foundation's annual Women's Leadership Conference. The conference was held at the National Education Association (NEA) on March 9. In the speech, abortionist Tiller admits to performing abortions the day before delivery.

"As a pro-life teacher, I can say this illustrates why I am no longer a member of the NEA," said a West Virginia teacher. "The NEA should not be involved in this issue; here they are hosting this controversial abortionist and his slideshow of babies he has aborted. There is no way any of my money will ever be used to advance the radical pro-abortion agenda of Planned Parenthood and the NEA."--Marla Mercer, a West Virginia teacher and former member of the NEA, as reported by http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/mar/08031901.html

Go here, to view Tiller at National Education Association: http://youtube.com/watch?v=wpr_sN04j_0 . Does this video show child murder or a woman's right to choose? A blob of tissue or a human being with brain waves and a heartbeat who happens to have a handicap?

With the truth on video, we can no longer pretend this isn't happening in America.

Celebrate President's Day With Free Original Source Documents

2008-02-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

Happy President's Day!
Many people celebrate President's Day with shopping. If you would like to spend some time reading about American Presidents, try these free downloads:

Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1832-1865, http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14721
Read the papers of George Washington here, http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/index.html
Madison's Papers, http://www.virginia.edu/pjm/
Papers of Thomas Jefferson, http://www.princeton.edu/~tjpapers
Last, but not least, visit POTUS (President of the United States), http://www.potus.com.

Special Needs, Homeschooling On a Shoestring and Roe I.Q. Test

2008-01-24T16:39:00.000-05:00

Families homeschool children with all kinds of special needs. One of the wonderful benefits of homeschooling is that it offers the chance for a customized curriculum, as well as more normal social opportunities for kids that don’t quite “fit the mold” in school. However, who is this mythical “normal” child? I am increasingly convinced that every child, every person, has special needs, some are just a bit more specialized than others. Our youngest child is medically fragile, with low vision and some serious health challenges. By networking with other homeschoolers who face similar challenges, I’ve been able to find the best resources to help her, and inexpensively tailor her education to what works best for her.

Check out http://www.nathhan.com/ for homeschool magazine discounts as well as a discounted Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) membership. Nathhan’s $25 membership fee is well worth it, as it also includes access to an abundance of free and discounted resources and materials for homeschooling with special needs.

Find hundreds of homeschool freebies and specific resources in the resource guide in our book, Homeschooling on a Shoestring. I understand the new reprint of Homeschooling on a Shoestring just came out today on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (or contact your favorite local bookstore), so we’re really excited about that!

I just took the Roe v. Wade I.Q. test, and I was surprised to discover what I didn't know about Roe v. Wade and how it has affected our country. You may be surprised too. To take the IQ Test, just go to http://www.roeiqtest.com/. Please let me know how you do.

"Revenge of Democracy" Unit Study: New Year, 2008

2007-12-31T17:33:00.000-05:00

"My mother always said democracy is the best revenge."--Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, new head of Pakistan Peoples Party and son of the assasinated Benazir Bhutto.

I pray for democracy and freedom in 2008 throughout the middle east, and the world. For all people--not just Americans--"are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..." (Declaration of Independence, in Congress, July 4, 1776.)

If we wish to understand current events, we must study the past. Here's an economical way to do it: study original sources, such as the inaugural addresses of American Presidents, at http://www.gopusa.com/presidents . Continue a study of the presidents at http://www.americanpresidents.org/ , with free lesson plans and videos, or study other documents at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/presidents/index.html . Presidential speeches and original documents would make a great unit study.

"For myself, I ask only, in the words of an ancient leader: "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?"--LBJ, quoting II Chronicles 1:10 at his inaugural address

Who said this--George W. Bush?:
"Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity..."--Nope--It was FDR, in his D-Day prayer broadcast, June 6, 1944 . Yes, we won that war—and it was fought in the name of religion. Read it here: http://www.interviewwithgod.com/FDR_prayer/transcript.htm

May America again bless God.

Merry Christmas, and Thank You to the Troops

2007-12-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

Download and share A Christmas Letter From Your Family, by Dr. Pat M. Boone, a Christmas gift in song and a tribute to the men and women in the military.

A personal note to our dear son, John: We love and miss you more than words can say. May the Good Shepherd guide and keep you safe, day by day. We love you and are proud of you!
May God bless and keep our family members safe this Christmas, and may America bless God. Merry Christmas!

View FDR's D-Day Prayer, a free movie dedicated to U.S. Forces, past and present, our sister nations, and to victory. Look closely; you may see a picture of someone you know and love! Go to http://www.interviewwithgod.com/FDR_prayer/motion.htm.

Giving Thanks:

2007-11-21T17:08:00.000-05:00

To read most textbooks today, you'd think that Thanksgiving was only about thanking the Native Americans. I imagine that the Pilgrims (called separatists), being polite, did thank Chief Massasoit and other tribal leaders for the game and friendship. I also think Chief Massasoit thanked the Pilgrims for their goodies, and most likely both sides were thankful for the fellowship and peace. However, only a gross distortion of history can forget that the purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks to God.

In the words of our forefathers:
"Our corn did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown, they came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom; our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the company almost a week, at which time amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. We have found the Indians very faithful in their covenant of peace with us; very loving and ready to pleasure us: we often go to them, and they come to us; some of us have been fifty miles by land in the country with them; the occasions and relations whereof you shall understand by our general and more full declaration of such things as are worth the noting, yea, it hath pleased God so to possess the Indians with a fear of us, and love unto us, that not only the greatest king amongst them called Massasoit, but also all the princes and peoples round about us, have either made suit unto us, or been glad of any occasion to make peace with us, so that seven of them at once have sent their messengers to us to that end, yea, an Fle at sea, which we never saw hath also together with the former yielded willingly to be under the protection, and subjects to our sovereign Lord King James, so that there is now great peace amongst the Indians themselves, which was not formerly, neither would have been but for us; and we for our parts walk as peaceably and safely in the wood, as in the highways in England, we entertain them familiarly in our houses, and they as friendly bestowing their venison on us. They are a people without any religion, or knowledge of any God, yet very trusty, quick of apprehension, ripewitted, just, the men and women go naked, only a skin about their middles; for the temper of the air, here it agreeth well with that in England, and if there be any difference at all, this is somewhat hotter in summer, some think it to be colder in winter, but I cannot out of experience so say; the air is very clear and not foggy, as hath been reported. I never in my life remember a more seasonable year, than we have here enjoyed: and if we have once but kine, horses, and sheep, I make no question, but men might live as contented here as in any part of the world. For fish and fowl, we have great abundance, fresh cod in the summer is but coarse meat with us, our bay is full of lobsters all the summer, and affordeth variety of other fish; in September we can take a hogshead of eels in a night, with small labor, and can dig them out of their beds, all the winter we have mussels and othus at our doors: oysters we have none near, but we can have them brought by the Indians when we will; all the springtime the earth sendeth forth naturally very good sallet herbs: here are grapes, white and red, and very sweet and strong also. Strawberries, gooseberries, raspas, etc. Plums of three sorts, with black and red, being almost as good as a damson: abundance of roses, white, red, and damask: single, but very sweet indeed; the country wanteth only industrious men to employ, for it would grieve your hearts (if as I) you had seen so many miles together by goodly rivers uninhabited, and withal to consider those parts of the world wherein you live, to be even greatly burdened with abundance of people. These things I thought good to let you understand, being the truth of things as near as I could experimentally take knowledge of, and that you might on our behalf give God thanks who hath dealt so favorably with us....My only suit to all men is, that whether they live there or here, they would learn to use this world as they used it not, keeping faith and a good conscience, both with God and men, that when the day of account shall come, they may come forth as good and fruitful servants, and freely be received, and enter into the joy of their Master. R.C.
FINIS."--A Relation or Journal of the Beginning and Proceeding of the English Plantation Settled at Plymouth (London, 1622), http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/PrimarySources/MourtsRelation.pdf

Looking for a great Thanksgiving movie? Check out this five star film, Inspiring Animated Heroes: William Bradford, DVD, available here:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?nav_search=1&event=ESRCN&Dn=0&action=Search&Ntt=Thanksgiving+Pilgrims&N=1014692&Ne=1000000&Nu=product%2Eendeca%5Frollup&Ntk=keywords

"A desire for religious freedom forces William Bradford to flee with the Pilgrims. His belief and conviction bring peace and the first Thanksgiving--a lesson in the value of belief."

We give thanks to those in service for our country--one nation, under God. Above all, as spiritual children of the Pilgrims, we give thanks to our Creator and Maker, from whom all blessings flow. Happy Thanksgiving, and May America Bless God!

Theodore Roosevelt's Warrior Code

2007-10-26T18:25:00.000-04:00

I’ve been reading Stephen Mansfield’s book, The Faith of the American Soldier. The book quotes President Theodore Roosevelt, who composed a message for a pocket New Testament sent to the troops in the first World War:

“The teaching of the New Testament is foreshadowed in Micah’s verse, “He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you: but to do justice and to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Do justice; and therefore fight valiantly against those who stand for the reign of Molech and Beelzebub on this earth.

Love mercy; treat your enemies well, suffer the afflicted, treat every woman as though she were your sister, care for the little children, rescue the perishing, and be tender with the old and helpless.

Walk humbly; you will do so if you study the life and teaching of the Savior, walking in His steps.

Remember, the most perfect machinery of government will not keep us as a nation if there is not within us a soul, no abounding of material prosperity shall avail us if our spiritual sense is atrophied. The foes of our own household will surely prevail against us unless there be in our people an inner life which finds its outward expression in a morality like unto that preached by the seers and the prophets of God when the grandeur that was Greece and the glory that was Rome still lay in the future.”—
President Theodore Roosevelt

Here's the
"Soldier's Psalm"

Praise be to the Lord my Rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for battle.
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me...
Part your heavens, O Lord, and come down;
touch the mountains, so that they smoke,
Send forth lightning and scatter the enemies;
shoot your arrows and rout them."

Check out this free sample of mp3 song, Stand UP:"The singers you will hear on the CD include: retired Air Force, active duty Coast
Guard, former Marine, former Navy, and the parents of a currently deployed Army young man. This husband and wife stood in for their Army son as well as all military families when they sang. In addition a woman whose now-deceased father was a Korean War vet sang on behalf of all the generations who have gone before to encourage the current generation of military and another woman as a mother of young children sang on behalf of the generations to come that there has always been a price for freedom.

Enjoy STAND UP! If you are military, thank you for your sacrifices for our freedom! If you are simply persevering through your own struggle, be encouraged. The battle is the Lord’s and let freedom ring!"--http://cdbaby.com/cd/efulgaro

2007-09-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

View answers to the last Understanding the Times Question; post your views on the question here: https://www.blogger.com/comment.gblogID=13315943&postID=8816529113407851486

I'm a bit behind, but here's the next question for the online "Understanding the Times:"

"In what way does the person of Jesus Christ underline the significance of each discipline?" Write at least one paragraph for each discipline, explaining the Biblical worldview in the context of the matching verse.
Colossians 2:9, Theology
John 1:1, Philosophy
John 1:9, 3:19-20, Ethics
John 1:4, 11:25, Biology
Luke 1:46-47; Titus 2:13, Psychology
Luke 1:30-31' Isaiah 9:6, Sociology
Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 9:7, Law
Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:33, Politics
Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12; 1 Corinthians 10:26, Economics

"According to 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, once we understand the world, what are we to do?"

Hit the blue "comments" link to post. Type in the letters you see for the "Word Verification," Choose "Anonymous" or "Other" for your identity (unless you are a Google/Blogger), Type your name (if you wish) and comment, and then hit "Publish Your Comment."

Educational Travel on a Shoestring on Homeschool Heartbeat

2007-09-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

Listen in on my recent interview with HSLDA's Homeschool Heartbeat..."Can you really have a family traveling experience that’s fun, educational, and affordable? It seems impossible! This week, Melissa Morgan and Mike Smith talk about some out-of-the-ordinary money-saving ways you can bring homeschool on the road." http://www.hslda.org/docs/hshb/77/hshbwk1.asp

Summer’s End, "Understanding the Times" Begins

2007-09-12T17:52:00.000-04:00

Our homeschool schedule officially started the day after Labor Day. However, we learned a lot this Summer. Learning happens all the time--for kids and parents. I recently borrowed an interesting book, "Don't Tread on Me: A 400-Year History of America at War, from Indian Fighting to Terrorist Hunting, by H.W. Crocker III. Great read!

I also finished reading Peretti's "Monster," which my high school age homeschooler read as well. What have you been reading lately?

Our highschooler funneled her energy in Civil Air Patrol activities this summer, and our youngest, in elementary school, homeschooled throughout the Summer (with shorter hours). Now we are back to our "regular"school schedule.

For high school, we are using "Understanding the Times: A Comparative Worldview and Apologetics Curriculum," (by David Noebel ) from Summit Ministries. Visit Christian Book Distributors (CBD), http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_sp?event=AFF&p=1011604&sp=1016 , if you'd like to get your copy of "Understanding the Times." (type the name of the book that you want in the “Search” block.) We don't accept donations; however, anything you order from that link helps support this web site.

Would you be interested in a free on-line discussion group for "Understanding the Times"? If you'd like to find out more, please post a comment at eaglesnesthome.blogspot.com..

Ready to start? Here's your assignment:

Read the "Introduction to Worldviews," in "Understanding the Times," and view the Video questions. I suggest that you write a short (at least three paragraph) essay for each of the Video Questions. The curriculum is comprehensive, so we won't be able to discuss all the questions here.

Click on the blue "comments" link (next to the envelope icon) to share a short essay with the discussion group on the following Reflection Question:

"What does the dictum "ideas have consequences" mean?

Be specific with examples to support your point of view. Next week, I'll post another Reflection Question. Thanks for sharing your insights!

100th Post! College Censorship, Speech Codes, and American Universities

2007-08-31T14:55:00.000-04:00

Homeschool teens and parents of teens considering college, take note:

"Speech codes. Censorship. Enforced political conformity. Hostility to diversity of opinion. Sensitivity training. We usually associate such things with the worst excesses of fascism and communism, not with the American universities that nurtured the free speech movement. But American higher education bears a disturbing resemblance to the totalitarian societies that are anathema to our nation's ideal of liberty. Evan Coyne Maloney's documentary film, Indoctrinate U, reveals the breathtaking institutional intolerance you won't read about in the glossy marketing brochures of Harvard, Berkeley, Michigan, Yale, and hundreds of other American colleges and universities. "

"While talking with students in the quad at Columbia, Evan was approached by two police officers who demanded a permit before allowing us to continue filming. So we paid a visit to the office that grants such permission to willing sycophants, and the whole experience left us wondering whether filming at Columbia was any easier than filming in, say, Venezuela..."Columbia Quiz," http://indoctrinate-u.com/pages/inside.html#columbia-quiz, shows what happens when you ask the inconvenient questions about academia."--from Inside Indoctrinate U

Click on the link--I found it both entertaining and informational. I can't wait to see this film in entirety--coming soon to a community near you.

Hands on Learning with Educational Travel

2007-08-02T16:55:00.000-04:00

Educational travel gives everyone an opportunity to learn hands-on, regardless of learning style or challenges. Yes, sometimes travel involves hardships…such as in our family, traveling with a medically fragile child. The first time, it was a little scary, making sure we had a way to deal with special needs away from home. Over time, we found that our family had changed our vacation goals to learning, bonding as a family, seeking God’s will for our lives…as we’ve slowed down, lowered expectations, gotten away from outside influences and pressures, we’ve circled the wagons and grown closer as a family. And now we find ourselves reaching out and bonding with other families as well, sharing different experiences and growing together.

Leave space in your educational travel plans for unexpected experiences and adventures, such as our recent trip to the Creation Museum (http://www.creationmuseum.org in KY, which was amazing. We loved the life size models and enjoyed the Ark, the dinosaurs, the Planetarium. In a KY tour guide, we also saw a brief listing of the Garden of Hope, in Covington, KY. The Garden, which offers a spectacular view of downtown Covington and Cincinnati, contains a replica of the empty tomb of Christ. "He is not here, for He is risen!" We looked the Garden of Hope up in our hotel phone directory, called them, and ended up with a personal tour and a new friend. This out of the way spot ended up being an unplanned, but memorable highlight of our trip. If you are in the area, don't miss it! Click here for Garden of Hope information and pictures: http://www.staynky.com/news/000190.html http://www.nkyviews.com/kenton/kenton258.htm
http://www.nkyviews.com/kenton/kenton259.htm

Visit my web site for a link to free educational travel tips and freebies, at http://www.eaglesnesthome.tips.html . For more tips and freebies get your own copy of our new Educational Travel on a Shoestring Electronic Resource Guide for only $6.98. The electronic Resource Guide is a downloadable e-book in Adobe Pdf format, with 79 pages of travel freebies, cheapies and tips for frugal educational and homeschooling travel and field trips. Let us know your choice of having the e-book e-mailed to you (after your confirmed payment), or if you prefer, you will receive instructions on how to download the e-book. Contact Eaglesnesthome at school@NOMORESPAMeaglesnesthome.com (remove NOMORESPAM from the e-mail address to send.) for ordering instructions or call 740-964-5575. Also, don't leave home without reading our hard copy books, "Eduational Travel on a Shoestring" and "Homeschooling on a Shoestring" (available through your favorite book outlet or library.) Happy trails!

Scholarships: Good, Bad and the Ugly

2007-07-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

With college expenses rising to astronomical levels, and students and parents falling deeper into debt, families are desperate for a way out. As you consider the direction for your homeschool education after high school, don't get taken in by the burgeoning scholarship scam industry. Yes, there are legitimate scholarship opportunities. But how can you tell the good from the bad and the ugly?

For more information, visit: FTC's website, http://www.ftc.gov
College Parents of America's, http://www.collegeparents.org
College Scholarship Scams Target Anxious Students, Families, by Bruce Mandelblit, http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/7/27/154231.shtml?s=us

Marines are at war--America is at the mall?

2007-06-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

"Official Report : February 7, 2007, Anbar Province, Iraq .. 1st LT Jared Landaker United States Marine Corps, from Big Bear California, gave his live in service to his country. Fatally wounded when his CH-46 helicopter was shot down by enemy fire, Jared and his crew all perished. His life was the ultimate sacrifice of a grateful military family and nation."

"His death occurred at the same time as Anna Nicole Smith, a drug-using person with a 7th grade education, of no pedigree, who dominated our news for two weeks while Jared became a number on CNN. And most unfortunately, Jared's death underscores a fact that we are a military at war, not a nation at war. It has been said that Marines are at war. America is at the mall. --from "Diary of A Last and Final Flight Home," published in Baghdad Prayer Patrol
( http://www.prayercentral.net), Friday, June 29, 2007

This report saddens me. However, not all Americans are just "at the mall." Faithful countrymen and women really do want to help our troops.

"Americans want to contribute to victory but do not know how," stated Major Eric Egland, founder of Troops Need You. "Now, Troops Need You provides a clear path to empower every American to support victory in Iraq.""

"TroopsNeedYou.com is dedicated to helping the troops win in Iraq by delivering to our combat troops on the ground needed resources such as medical and school supplies, generators and tool sets that create jobs and improve quality of life for local Iraqis. The troops can then use those goods to motivate the local Iraqis to stand up for the mission, so we can stand down and bring the troops home--VICTORIOUS."-- http://www.troopsneedyou.com

This sounds like something concrete that all families, including homeschoolers, could do to actively support our troops. More pressing than a trip to the mall, TroopsNeedYou can serve as both an educational opportunity and a way to help others .

US History Through Holidays

2007-05-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

Holidays, such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day, help us teach the values of our country: that all humans, not just a select few, are endowed by our Creator (not by governments!) with inalienable rights, including the right to speak freely and to worship God according to conscience. This freedom wasn't free--it has cost the life of many brave men and women. It is our charge to avoid complacency, because this nation's freedom, under God, must be maintained by each generation.

Find free Charlotte Mason-style curriculum from Ambleside, to help in raising patriotic Kids: http://www.amblesideonline.org/DJBPatrioticKids.shtml

May God bless those who protect US: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, CIA, FBI, Border Patrol, Coast, Guard, Merchant Marine, Police, Fire Departments, Civil Air Patrol, and more. The Civil Air Patrol is responsible for the majority of search and rescue missions in the US, and is Air Force Auxiliary. It is open to youth, and homeschoolers. For information about the Civil Air Patrol, read my daughter's post at http://malexmedia.net/forum/2007/04/22/slushys_going_military .

Free Speech on Campus and Current Events

2007-05-19T12:31:00.000-04:00

Check out what's current at a college campus near you:

"Warning: On college campuses, hanging flyers that do not meet with the political approval of school administrators can be hazardous to your academic career. As a result, you should not post this Indoctrinate U PDF flyer on campus if you are at all queasy about having to defend your free speech rights."--Indoctrinate U. web site

Do the majority of America's universities indoctrinate student thought? Should conservative students be allowed free speech on campus? Watch the free trailer video, and decide for yourself, at http://indoctrinate-u.com/pages/welcome.html.. What about public high schools--junior high--elementary? Do they indoctrinate students in politically correct speech, creating a hostile environment to Christian students and others? I'm just asking...if I am still allowed.

A Mother's Day Prayer from PrayerEdge

2007-05-10T14:38:00.000-04:00

I just had to share "A Mother's Prayer"--it is beautiful—it really captures a mother’s heart! It made me cry, as my son is currently at Fort Leonard Wood, training to be an Army MP.

A Mother's Prayer

Before a child is first conceived,
A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."
And from His throne room way up there,
God's ear is tuned to a Mother's prayer.

Then as the tiny seed takes shape,
She whispers, "God, please keep him safe."
And the angels all stop and stare,
To see God listen to a Mother's prayer.

Through pain and blood on that special day,
"Lord, give him life," she's heard to say.
And with a deep and gentle care,
God listens to a Mother's prayer.

Then daily as this little child grows,
"Keep evil away!" the angels are told.
And by the swords and shields they bear,
God has heard that Mother's prayer.

Then one day as the child is sleeping,
"Let him know Jesus." she mutters while weeping.
The angels are shouting and the trumpets blare,
As the Father above hears a Mother's prayer.

As the world presses in on this teenage life,
She calls for his destiny through agony and strife.
Then God responds, to a faith so rare,
That compels Him to answer this Mother's prayer.

Now all grown up and on His own,
She prays for him by letter or phone.
And God stands by with His right arm bare,
To listen and answer the Mother's prayer.

Before a grandchild is conceived,
A cry goes up, "Lord, Let it be."
And from His throne room way up there,
God's ear is tuned to a Grandmother's prayer...

reprinted with permission
copyright Wayne Dillard 2002

Subscribe to Prayeredge.net today! It's Free.

Happy Mother's Day!

Make a Difference with Current Events--Baghdad Prayer Patrol

2007-05-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Current events activity:
Baghdad Prayer Patrol, http://www.prayercentral.net/baghdad is enlisting Americans to pray for troops stationed in and around the Iraqi capital. You will receive a daily e-mail assignment, with specific geographic and spiritual needs. Participants also receive a satellite map with close up views of Baghdad neighborhoods designated as hot spots for prayer. Prayercentral.net founder Wayne Dillard says "We are asking Christians to join us for just one minute a day to stand with our troops over the next six months...We all want this conflict to be over. Through prayer we can make a difference. We can help our soldiers accomplish their mission so that they can come home."

What Is an American?

2007-04-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

“An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German,Spanish, Polish, Russian, or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan.

“An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

“An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist,or Muslim.

“In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan.The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

“An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

“An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

“The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness..."

“So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself, because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.”—Anonymous, From the April 2007 edition of the free Summit Ministries Publication JOURNAL, at http://www.summit.org/pdf/resource/journal/archive/2007/0407.pdf .April 2007

The Hunt for Beowulf

2007-03-31T15:59:00.000-04:00

Next Friday, we host our final Class for Analyzing and Interpreting Literature from a Christian Worldview. It's been a real blast!

Here you go, all you Beowulf fans (and you know who you are) I don't want you to feel neglected. In The Hunt for Beowulf radio drama, a professional artifacts thief known as the Jaguar has stolen the original Beowulf manuscript from the British Library. Now the Creation Response Team is on a mission to get it back as they travel to many places including England, Iwo Jima, the interior jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Galápagos Islands!
Read about The Hunt for Beowulf at http://www.jonathanpark.com/radio_drama/episodes/volumedetails.aspx?vol=4 .Download the Jonathon Park study guides free at http://www.jonathanpark.com/learning_zone/homeschoollessons/ .

So, what's your favorite story? Share it here, with only one caveat--put into practice what you've learned in this course, and analyze it from a Christian worldview.

Facing the Viking Terror Threat--Today

2007-03-20T13:07:00.000-04:00

Would you like to liven up your history studies, understand current events, and learn from the past? Check out the free sample history lessons at Truth Quest, http://www.truthquesthistory.com/store/products.php.

It is not difficult to draw parallels to current events. For instance, notice how Europeans reacted to the threat of Vikings--the terror threat in their time:
"Remember, the kings and dukes of Europe were busily pursuing their own goals–trying to get the other people’s land–instead of obeying God’s commands to govern rightly the lands they already had! This selfishness made them distracted, weak, disorganized...and foolish. When the first raids came they seemed to think they were a fluke and would never happen again; they went on their merry way, feathering their own nests. But don’t we do the same? Aren’t we out for what Francis Schaeffer calls “personal peace and affluence?” Aren’t we more focused on feathering our own nests than quelling the world’s growing dangers? Don’t we assume trouble will come to other, faraway people: surely our shire can’t be touched! Doesn’t modern philosophy say there is no one to fear since there really is no evil (or else it would have to acknowledge the need for a Savior as well as the existence of a God who has the right to determine what is good and evil)? Well, let the 800s be a lesson to us: if we are selfish and distracted and weak, those who are cruel–and there are cruel people in this world–will take advantage. Remember what the Book of Ecclesiastes tells us: nothing is new under the sun."-- http://www.truthquesthistory.com/store/pdf/middleages.pdf .

Malex Minute, Macbeth, and Future Shrew Taming

2007-03-14T19:30:00.000-04:00

First, please allow me to congratulate our faithful friends at The Malex Media Network™ on the launch of the MalexMinute.com, at http://malexminute.com/ . The Malex Minute launched this weekend to celebrate the Malex Minute's first birthday. Visit and enjoy a little healthy laughter and free, clean and clever audio entertainment. Imagine the Marx brothers, only updated to the 21st century and minus unsavory innuendos. Note that the illustrations at the Malex Minute are top rate, adding an extra dimension to the experience for those of us who are visually oriented. The Markley Brothers (responsible for this madness) "often poke fun at politics and the entertainment industry while simultaneously satirizing whatever happened to us at the grocery store last week. It's so exciting! We've even been known to bring in various people and interview them! (Failing that, we occasionally corner various people and interview them - an exhilarating, albeit frequently unsatisfactory solution.)"

I recommend using the Malex Minute to help you recover from reading tragedy such as Shakespeare's Macbeth, which we studied in our Analyzing Literature class last week. We explored invigorating discussion questions, such as "Can the devil speak true?" If you would like to weigh in and post your comments, click the comments button, below.

We plan to watch and discuss "The Taming of the Shrew" on March 23, at our house. On the subject of shrews and submission, The Values-Driven Family, at http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com/core_value_verses.htm , is offering a free "comprehensive compilation of Bible verses and case studies from the Word organized by themes to help you model and teach the values that God values... You will see from reviewing these documents that there is little doubt that these twelve core values are certainly of great value to God." The authors, referring to 1 Corinthians 12:14-16, state that "Submission doesn't make one person "better" than another, just different roles."

As they used to say, “Stay tuned…”

Free Downloadable educational videos on demand

2007-02-22T14:57:00.000-05:00

Check out Annenberg Media, http://www.learner.org/, for extensive free learning resources, including online free videos on demand. A few examples are "English Composition: Writing for a Audience," A video instructional series on English composition for college and high school classrooms and adult learners, and "Literary Visions," A video instructional series on literary analysis for college and high school. The web site recommends DSL; however, we were able to download the videos using dial up, although it took awhile.

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature from a Christian Worldview

2007-02-22T09:31:00.000-05:00

Take a look at these free resources on the study of Shakespeare:

Ambleside Online's Shakespeare Rotation, http://www.amblesideonline.org/ShakespeareSch.shtml
This comprehensive resource includes links to Shakespeare Sparks Notes, Shakespeare Resource Center History, Glossary, grammar and language information, Absolute Shakespeare - the essential resource for William Shakespeare's plays, sonnets, poems, quotes, biography and the legendary Globe Theatre, AllShakespeare - free study guides, translations, biography notes, and The Video Shakespeare - play free videos of Shakespeare plays on Real Player.

Why Shakespeare for Christian Students? http://www.berith.org/hsres/shak/shak01.html
This scholarly yet understandable essay answers some of the critics who claim that Shakespeare "did not write as a Christian." Ralph Allen Smith answers that "...Christians will remember that he was buried in a church and that his last will names Christ as his Savior. What Shakespeare wrote while contemplating eternity, it seems to me, is a confession not to be taken lightly. Be that as it may, the worldview which informs and forms his plays is Christian. It is the realistic and complex moral worldview of the Bible. If modern, English-speaking Christians -- whose worldviews now suffer from the influence of TV and movies that are at best non-Christian and not infrequently outright anti-Christian -- have a serious interest in learning to think like Christians Shakespeare is a nearly indispensable source."

Mr. William Shakespeare, http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/ includes:
A Shakespeare Timeline, which gives the key events of Shakespeare's life and work along with related documentary evidence, A Shakespeare genealogy, A chart showing the relevant family relationships and dates, A Shakespeare Timeline Summary Chart, showing the events of Shakespeare's life in outline along with important contemporary events and publications, A Shakespeare Biography Quiz, The Shakespeare Canon, Rowe's Some Acount of the Life &c. of Mr. William Shakespeare, prefaced to his 1709 edition of the Works, Charles and Mary Lamb's Tales From Shakespeare, The Prefatory materials from the First Folio.

Finally, check out the free Study Guide for Macbeth, from BJU
http://bjupress.com/services/bjhomesat/pdf/handouts/macbeth.pdf

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Six Questions on the Nature of Man

2007-02-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

In the Bible, the number six is associated with man. Coincidentally or not, I wound up with six questions about the nature of man for this post. Note that although the questions are similar, they each confront the problem of the nature of man from a slightly different perspective.

According to David Quine in Starting Points, "A world view is a way of looking at life." Pick one of the following questions. Click the Comment button, and post your response. Write at least three paragraphs, please, and note (in your Title) which question you are answering.

1. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, what do the main characters believe about life? What do they base their life on? What life perspectives are the characters taking, and how does that illustrate Stevenson's view of man's nature?

2. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, who are the main characters in the story? What are the characters like, and how are they related to the plot? In a longer essay, you can also cite examples from the minor characters in the book.

3. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, what is Robert Lewis Stevenson's view of the nature of man? (Please cite specific examples from the book--try looking at the last chapter.)

4. Does Stevenson's view of the nature of man agree with the Bible? Why or why not? Give examples from the book and the Bible to support your position.

5. In a longer essay (more than five paragraphs), compare and contrast Shelley's view (in Frankenstein) with Stevenson's view (in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) of the nature of man. Which view of man is the correct view?

6. Are you convinced that there is a correct view of the nature of man, or is the correct view of the nature of man unknowable? Does it matter? Support your position.

Most students do best if they outline an essay before writing it. Try it yourself! Remember that each paragraph needs at least two complete sentences. End each paragraph with a transition sentence, which acts as a bridge or link to the next paragraph. Transitions make an essay read smoothly and logically, from one thought to the next. Here's a simplified essay format:

Title
Opening (introductory) paragraph--state the question or problem
Body of the essay--one or more paragraphs; each addresses a different element of the question
Concluding paragraph--restate the question and give your answer

Christian Worldview workshops and Homeschool College

2007-01-25T17:20:00.000-05:00

Biblical Concourse, http://www.biblicalconcourse.com/, offers free scopes and sequences to help families develop their own college level curriculum in many areas, including medical humanities and practical medicine. There is also a brief description of the Concourse for those home school moms who keep asking the good practical questions at: http://www.biblicalconcourse.com/brief.pdf

The North Dakota Home School Convention will have a workshop titled, "Practical Ideas on Developing Your Own College Curriculum," on March 2, 2007 in Fargo, ND, http://NDHSA.org. Participants include Dan Smithwick of http://nehemiahinstitute.com/, John Mesko of http://lighthousefarm.com/, Zach and Heidi Englehart from South Dakota. Workshops offer practical curriculum ideas for constitutional law, agriculture, engineering and other areas of study.

Check out Dr. Payne’s new website, which contains a wealth of Biblical worldview articles in many disciplines: http://www.biblicalworldview21.org .

An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources

2007-01-20T12:26:00.000-05:00

The annual Youth Rally for Life will take place in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday, January 22 from noon-1 p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse on the west lawn. All are welcome - the young and the young at heart - for this peaceful, prayerful celebration of life. The keynote speaker will be the photographer Michael Clancy, who captured an image of the hands of a 21 week-old prenatal baby holding a surgeon's finger (see www.MichaelClancy.com).

An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources

2007-01-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

Ready to meet the Deadliest Monster? As we start a new semester in our literature class, we will compare and contrast Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde with Frankenstein. If possible, get your own copy of The Deadliest Monster by Jeff Baldwin in time for the first class, so that you can read ahead. You can buy an inexpensive copy of * Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, or click on the links to read the free electronic versions. Check out http://www.amblesideonline.org/10bks.shtml for a good example of a high school level scope and sequence, with suggestions on how and what to teach, from a Christian worldview.

Regarding Frankenstein, Ambleside says, "Please do not shy away from this book based on the way popular horror movies have grossly revised it. Do please give this book a try. If what you know about Frankenstein is based on a movie, you will be very pleasantly surprised."

Which leads me to a problem--trying to find a movie to watch for Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll. Any suggestions? Unless we can find movies that are true to the books, there is no point in watching them. Also, we will need to change the Lit. class night from Monday to another night, or else have the class at my house on Monday (which is fine for me, but will mean more driving for everybody else). Any suggestions or comments?

An Eagle's Nest Homeschool and Travel Resources

2006-12-19T14:10:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that we are recessed from the Literature class until after the New Year. In the meantime, check out Omniglot, http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/christmas.htm : Writing Systems and Languages of the World, for "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in many languages. Note: Christmas is not universally celebrated and there are a number of different dates for new year, depending on which calendar you use."

Thanks to David Factor for the tip. In his honor, Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda .

Spill Chick--Missed Every Misspelled Word

2006-12-12T08:38:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing Advent season. I'm facing writing deadlines, as usual, so here I am goofing off again. Just for fun, check out Spill Chick, http://avko.org/freebies.htm --every word spelled wrong, and Spill Chick missed them!

Also download a free 41 page booklet to help teach reading with a multi-sensory approach, “220 Names and Faces, 220 Dolch Words,” from the non-profit AVKO (Audio, Visual, Kinesthetic, & Oral) Foundation, http://www.avko.org/Samples/650/650_Ch_15.pdf. .

Pearl Harbor Day

2006-12-07T19:03:00.000-05:00

The price of freedom---see pictures from the National Archives. Remember Pearl Harbor:
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/pearlhbr/pearlhbr.htm

Off to See the Wizard

2006-11-17T14:48:00.000-05:00

In Narnia, we met a good lion; we will see a far different lion--a cowardly lion--in the Wizard of Oz. This Monday we will be viewing the movie based on The Wizard of Oz--Judy Garland's ruby shoes are not in the book, by the way. While we watch, we'll eat snacks and critique the movie using the Starting Points curriculum. Does the Wizard of Oz present the Biblical worldview--or something else (what?) Which character, if any, represents God?

Surely not the Wizard:
"I think you are a very bad man," said Dorothy.
"Oh, no, my dear; I'm really a very good man, but I'm a very bad Wizard, I must admit."
"Can't you give me brains?" asked the Scarecrow.
"You don't need them. You are learning something every day. A baby has brains, but it doesn't know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get."

Perhaps this sounds like sound advice; but certainly not Godlike. The Wizard indulged the Scarecrow in the end, and stuffed his head with "a measure of bran, which he mixed with a great many pins and needles" to make him "sharp."

What is the source of the power in Oz? Is the use of power outside of God's glory condemned in Bible teachings on witchcraft? I must admit, when the mouse queen advises Dorothy to say a charm to call the Winged Monkeys to her command, I felt distinctly uncomfortable. Is this a pricking of my conscience, or simply squeamishness?

AFA Journal, http://www.afa.net/journal/february/2002/harrypotter.asp , asks regarding movies such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and the Wizard of Oz, "How do we define the evil that is to be opposed, and upon what basis do we decide between those for whom we cheer and those we don’t?...Tolkien’s wizards are not wizards in the Harry Potter sense. Instead, they are more akin to angelic beings – capable of falling into a state of dark corruption and rebellion against the One True God who created them (as explained in Tolkien’s background history to Lord of the Rings, entitled The Silmarillon.)The Lord of the Rings trilogy also contains sublime spiritual insights founded upon a Christian worldview, which is lacking in Harry Potter. These truths include the power of sin to corrupt and enslave; the self-deluding power of pride; and the nature of demonic evil as personal and universally destructive, rather than psychological or metaphorical."

Note that the Wizard of Oz movie is different from the book in important respects, and this may alter your arguments. For one thing, I suggest that if you write an essay with the contention that "Satan's footwear is red," that you must first deal with the fact that in the book, Dorothy's slippers were silver. The book is now in public domain; Get your own free copy of Baum's Wizard of Oz at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/6896.

What do you think? Blog your comments.

"The Horse and His Boy"

2006-11-01T16:24:00.000-05:00

Next week, we will discuss"The Horse and His Boy." As you review the book this week, consider the following questions: How does Shasta respond to Aslan? How did Bree become a wiser horse? Compare and contrast Aslan's role in "The Horse and His Boy" to the role of God in the circumstances of this world. In what way is Aslan's involvement in the circumstance of Narnia similar to or different from the Biblical view of God's involvement in the cricumstances in the world in which we live?

Analyzing Literature: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

2006-11-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

This week, we finished up our study of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Take the challenge:
"Describe the rescue and release of Edmund in terms of the deep magic and the deeper magic from before the dawn of time...Would you describe this portion of the story as a symbol or an allusion to Christ? If so, in what ways?"--from the Starting Points curriculum, by David Quine.

Free Materials for Homeschooling High School, College, Special Needs Education

2006-10-26T12:45:00.000-04:00

Find free college level study materials (could be used for homeschooling high school) at Open University, the first UK higher education institution to make its study materials freely available online, up to 900 hours of learning resources will be published on http://oci.open.ac.uk/

HSLDA's High School Coordinators write a monthly email newsletter on high school topics. These newsletters may also be beneficial to families with children in 6th grade or higher, http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3388

Federal Department of Education adopted new regulations for homeschoolers with special needs. The decision represents a victory for parents' rights, http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3385

Analyzing Literature Vocabulary List

2006-10-16T16:13:00.000-04:00

If you are considering taking the Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP test at the conclusion of this course, I suggest that you try taking a pre-test. If you can get at least 50 percent of the answers correct, you have a good chance of passing the CLEP, with only a little extra study. If your score is very low, you will need to study a lot, but a passing score is still possible with hard work. Remember, if you would like to transfer CLEP credit to a college, check with the college that you are interested to see what their policy is before you take the test. Get their policy in writing (for example, what score is requirered, what tests are accepted, what credit is given.) Either way, your time will be well-spent, as you improve your ability to read and understand quality literature.

Literary Terms--Tools we all should know:
Primary World
Secondary World
Plot
Characters
Theme
Point of View
Tone
Symbolism
Allusion
Style
Protagonist
Antagonist
Anti-hero
Major Character
Minor Character
Dynamic Character
Static Character
Flat Character
Round Character
in medias res
Flash back
Setting
Epiphany
Exposition
Rising action
Crisis
Resolution
Denouement
First person point of view
Stream-of-consciousness
Monolgue
Narrator
Naive Narrator
Third Person Narrator
Third Person Objective Narrator
Third Person Omniscient Narrator
Unreliable Narrator
Allegory

Study tips: I suggest that you don't simply print out this list as written. I listed the vocabulary words at random. I didn't do this just to be evil (really!); I hope that as you are looking up the definitions, you will think about ways to group similar concepts. Think of these words as a jigsaw puzzle--group similar types of pieces together, and you will solve the puzzle of the word meanings more quickly. For instance, protagonist and antagonist should be defined together under the topic of characters. What other terms should go under your 'Character" topic?

Similarly, if you outline the plot of a story, you can link the exposition, rising action, crisis, and finally the denouement and resolution. Look for unusual ways to remember your vocabulary. Try making up a scrolling screensaver, drawing a picture to illustrate topical terms, or making a "mind map" instead of a linear outline. Look for ways to link old vocabulary that you are familiar with to new vocabulary that you already know, and you will find it must easier to learn. Let me know if this isn't making sense, and I'll try and clarify.
Literary terms are the tools we use to analyze and interpret literature. They also prove indispensable to writers. Write the meanings of each vocabulary word
in two sentences or less, using your own words; cite literary work example if possible. You must have a firm grasp of the vocabulary of any subject in order
to do well on any credit by examination test.

Extra Credit (we'll give you a virtual pat on the back)

For those who want to delve deeper into worldview studies (caution--philosophy ahead!), try a few quotes from "Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept," by James W. Sire. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Pick one or all. Cite examples from literature ("Pilgrim's Progress," "The Magician's Nephew," or other classics) and the Bible to illustrate your position.

"If all language is simply a power play , then so is the language by which Foucault explains language...Nihilism, however, does not stop intellectuals from writing, only from making sense." (page 40)

"Robert Redfield lists the self (divided into I and me) and the other,(divided into human and nonhuman). The human is further divided into young and old, male and female, us and them; the non-human is divided into God and nature. Finally, what Redfield calls "everyman's worldview" includes space and time, birth and death. My guess is that there are many more of the pretheoretical concepts to include, for example, meaning, oughtness, identity and contradiction." (page 78)

"In short, the pretheoretical consists of those notions and recognitions of relationships between notions that precede any thought at all. The pretheoretical is what we think with, not what we think about." (page 79)

In two weeks we will discuss the importance of the literary Term Vocabulary List, and elaborate on any terms that need further definition or explanation. We will finish up discussion and questions regarding worldview in The MagicianÃ’s Nephew, and begin to study the worldview of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We will share information on How to Write an Essay: Discussion of Title, Introductory Paragraph, Opening Sentences, Paragraph Development, Transitional Sentences, Topic Sentences, Concluding Paragraphs.

In the meantime, I love meeting together, but I'd also appreciate more online feedback. We could all use the encouragement and it is interesting to read what you think.

Vanity Fair and The Magician's Nephew

2006-10-06T10:36:00.000-04:00

More on Vanity Fair from Pilgrim's Progress:
Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up; Jeremiah 18:15
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16

In Lit. class this week, we finished evaluating Pilgrim's Progress from a biblical worldview, and began discussing "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis. The comments, both in class and blogged, were awesome!

Let's go a little deeper, and consider the following questions from Starting Points, in the context of "The Magician's Nephew":
"1. In Narnia is there a God...and if so...What is he like?
a. Does any one character represent God?
b. If so, who and what are his attributes?
2. What is the nature of the Narnian universe?...
a. Was Narnia created or did it always exist?
b. What is the interconnection between Narnia and our world?
3. What is the source of evil in Narnia?
a. Does evil exist in Narnia?
b. Was evil part of the creation itself or did it enter from some other source?"

What do you think? Write a short essay to answer the three questions above, approximately one paragraph per question. Click the "comments" link (below) and give it
your best shot.

Next week I'll post Literary Terms--Tools we can use to understand literature and write more competently. However, feel free to return to this thread and continue the discussion about
these three worldview questions.

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature Class: Vanity Fair

2006-09-26T23:41:00.000-04:00

I had a great time at the Lit class; every student had a unique perspective and insight--and this was just the first class! I also appreciate how everyone jumped in and contributed, as well as Mr. Morgan's story, and Mr. Lindner sharing about his CLEP experiences.

Oh, would that someone would blog, answering the seven worldview questions regarding Vanity Fair, from Pilgrim's Progress. For instance, does the story of Vanity Fair present a biblical worldview in the death of Pilgrim's companion, Faithful? When you think of "Vanity," what Bible verses come to mind? Also, has anyone else taken the worldview test? More later--I just found out I have missed a writing deadline, but that is off this topic.

Homeschooling College, Distance Education, Life-Time Learning Credit and Non-Traditional College

2006-09-23T12:22:00.000-04:00

If you like homeschooling, you might love homeschooling college. Check into non-traditional methods for reducing college costs and graduating early. Look into ways students have received college credit for life experience such as extensive unit studies, portfolio evaluations, internships, travel, and ministry work. For information on credit for prior learning and life experience credit, check out http://www.nationalponsi.org/ and http://www.collegeispossible.org/ . Teaching Home magazine has an excellent article on homeschooling college, at http://www.theteachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_83.cfm .
Many homeschoolers use the portfolio assessment method to evaluate their youngsters; did you know that you can also receive college credit through the same method? Read Earn College Credit for What You Know, by Lois Lamdin, to find out more. Get it from The Council for Adult & Experiential Learning, or through the inter-library loan program at your local library.
Read more about the issues surrounding Christians in college, and the college at home option, at http://www.patriarch.com/college@home.html . Need to see more proof about the decadent modern college culture? Check out examples at http://www.collegeprowler.com/about_the_guides.asp
Read Ben Kaplan's book, How To go to College Almost For Free (Stratford Publishing: 2002) and books by John Bear such as College Degrees by Mail and Modem.
Would you like to earn your degree in half the time, and for less money? What about receiving college credit through internship experience, life experience, and independent study? Accelerated Distance Learning: The New Way to Earn Your College Degree in the Twenty-First Century, by Brad Voeller, shows you how to accelerate your education, by maximizing your multisensory learning pathways (learning styles), memory, reading speed and comprehension. Voeller earned a four-year, fully accredited college degree in less than six months, and for less than $5000! If you've homeschooled high school, you can homeschool college.
"Some students have completed their entire degree by just taking three GRE exams and five general CLEP exams. Using this method, you could theoretically complete an entire bachelor's degree within a few days!"--Brad Voeller
Keep track of your educational activities. Then use portfolio assessment to qualify for college credit. Thomas Edison State College , Thomas Edison College Examination Program TECEP, 609-633-2844, and Charter Oak State College sell handbooks and offer information on building portfolios. Check with the colleges that you are interested in. Ask if they will accept portfolio credit, or transfer credit earned through portfolio assessment. Learn more about documenting learning through portfolio assessment.
Read Voeller's book, to find out more. Voeller also offers special reports, including Accelerated Distance Learning for Home-School Students, and Accelerated Distance Learning for Christian Students. http://www.globallearningstrategies.org/.
College Credit By Examination
Looking for a way out of the College Agenda? Take a test and receive college credit. Save money on college through CLEP, GRE, DANTES, and Advanced Placement (AP) testing. Best of all, learn the information any way you want—you pick the materials and texts. (This is a good way to get a more balanced education, free from political correctness, pagan religious rites and liberal bias.) If you can’t afford textbooks, try http://www.freeuniv.com/index.html .
Check out these programs and books (Order from web site sources or through inter-library loan) that were created to help you earn credit for what you already know:
The College Credit Recommendation Service, www.acenet.edu/clll/corporate/index.cfm ), evaluated and recommended college credit for more than 9,000 courses, examinations, and certifications administered through business, labor, government, associations, and other organizations.
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, http://www.cael.org/, publishes Earn College Credit for What You Know, a book for adult learners interested in acquiring credit for prior learning. The Pocket Guide to College Credits and Degrees includes information on applying your learning experiences in the real world to a college degree.
Try these free study resources and guides, if you're interested in obtaining college credit by examination. If you homeschool high school, take some practice tests. You may be surprised at how well you can do!
http://www.4tests.com/exams/exams.asp?cid=2
http://www.bain4weeks.com/
Here are some study materials that are not free, but still considerably cheaper than most college courses:
http://www.instantcert.com/landing2.html
http://www.istudysmart.com/ (also offers a free distance learning guide)
Contact Excelsior College, http://www.excelsior.edu/ for a list of textbooks and test descriptions for college credit tests and a practice sheet with sample questions.
For (Graduate Record Exam (GRE) information, contact http://www.gre.org/ .
Find out about DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSRs), http://www.getcollegecredit.com/
Ohio University, Office of Independent Study, http://www.ohiou.edu/lifelong .
Learn about AP test preparation at http://www.collegeboard.org/ap . Study for AP tests through online academies such as Apex Learning, http://www.apexlearning.com/ , and http://www.pahomeschoolers.com/
Find additional information on credit by examination and distance education from BA in 4 Weeks, DegreeInfo.com , Jonnie's Distance Learning Page and Distance Learning Undergraduate Business Degrees.
Get a free official downloadable CLEP guide from the College Board: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/prep.html
More free CLEP, DANTES, and other credit by examination study guides, courtesy of The Air Force and Peterson's: http://www.petersons.com/airforce/books.asp?sponsor=8
Free on-line credit by examination test practice, for tests such as CLEP General Mathemactics, at http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=8
Check out information on CLEP guides, homeschooling and College at http://www.davidandlaurie.com/
Check out more college information and links at An Eagle's Nest Homeschool Links Page .

Syllabus for Analyzing and Interpreting Media: A Literature and Worldview Course

2006-09-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, this blog is hosting Analyzing and Interpreting Media: A Literature and Worldview Course. If you would like to respectfully discuss this topic, this is the place to be. If you are part of the bricks and mortar course, you can post/critique assignments here, ask questions, and discuss on topic. Please take off-topic comments or chit-chat to another forum.

Here are the course details, and the lesson plan for week one. We start on Monday, a week from today!

Age Level: Teen (advanced) to College Level
Time and Location: Anytime online and Mondays at 7:00 p.m., New Song Church
Facilitator: Melissa Morgan, Co-author, "Homeschooling on a Shoestring" and "Educational Travel on a Shoestring" (Shaw Books, Div. Random House)
Co-Facilitators/Coordinators/Guest Speakers: Positions OpenÂcan be parents or Teens

Course Objectives:
*Identifying, analyzing and interpreting types of literature and media from a Christian perspective *Using critical thinking to discern worldviews while reading, discussing, and writing about literature and media
*Learning to apply biblical worldview standards in secular environments, such as entertainment, college and work
*Developing college level vocabulary, writing and critiquing skills
*Studying as a group for the CLEP test, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, offered by the College Board. If parents wish, students may schedule (for details, contact the College Board) to take the CLEP test. If a passing score is achieved the student will receive 6 college credit hours, transferable to most accredited colleges/universities. If you are interested in pursuing this, check individual colleges to ensure they accept CLEPs. Most do, but there are exceptions.

Homeschooling college can help students avoid secular freshman courses that often target youth for indoctrination into secular worldviews. It can also potentially save thousands of dollars in college costs.
This course is not supported by or affiliated with the College Board, creators of the CLEP test. CLEP is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board, which does not endorse or sponsor this course. This is a family friendly course. Our goal is to support, not undermine, parental authority and family unity. So feel free to suggest/implement changes and improvements.

Please note: secular materials are a necessary component of this course. For instance, there are NO explicitly Christian CLEP resources that we are aware of. Some CLEP materials are more benign; others are strongly biased. We may wish to pick and choose the less biased, but part of the course is learning to discern the worldview of college level materials. With your permission, we'd like to share a few of the more outrageous examples, as well as some of the Christian grass roots organizations that are springing up to combat anti-Christian bias on campuses.

Active parental participation is desired and encouraged. We greatly desire that parents participate as course planners, testers, graders, resource providers, writing coaches, guest speakers, and any other areas. Parents of teens are NOT, however, required to attend the course.

Suggested Resources:
Starting Points chapter, Identifying Literature Based Upon the Biblical Worldview (Christian book, see below*)
The Deadliest Monster (Christian book, see below*) Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Guide, by Sheryl Spencer and Ann Warren
Free College Board resources
Optional components from the Starting Points Worldview Curriculum, such as How to Read Slowly (James Sire), Answers for Difficult Days, Know What You Believe, by Paul Little. The Elements of Style, Strunk and White
Various classics, books and media sources, some Christian and some not. No sexual content, graphic violence. Again, parental standards must apply.
Suggested literature reading and media viewing (will be discussed in course):
Pilgrim's Progress
Shakespeare's Hamlet
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde,
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Magician's Nephew, Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
The Horse and His Boy, Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis

In Identifying Literature Based Upon the Biblical Worldview, students will start by exploring the imaginary world of Narnia as seen in three of C.S. Lewis's books: The Magician's Nephew, The Horse and His Boy, and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. As students read they'll take notes on characters, plot, and worldview, then sum up their findings in a helpful chart which compares the nature of God, the universe, and evil in Narnia with the biblical view of these. Next you'll take a look at two movies, The Wizard of Oz and It's a Wonderful Life. Finally, you'll turn your attention to two horror classics in The Deadliest Monster. In this fascinating book, author Jeff Baldwin shows how 10 major worldviews from Islam to New Age religion fit the Frankenstein model, but the Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde model corresponds with the accurate picture of unredeemed man. Learn how your assumptions about man affect your beliefs about God, truth, morality, and even politics."-Spotlight Review, Ann Wegener, Practical Homeschooling magazine, September, 2005

Course Grade and Transcripts: Grade may be assigned at option of parents. If desired, a free worldview test is available for both parents and students, at Nehemiah Institute, http://www.nehemiahinstitute.com/ . One test to show proficiency and readiness for college level language arts material is the CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. The test would need to be scheduled at a local college testing center (in our area, Columbus State has given the CLEP; other colleges may also offer it.) There are many other college credit tests available (CLEPs, APs, DANTES, Excelsior), and we will be glad to share resources regarding these if anyone is interested. Students who obtain College level credit along with superior high school class grades can end up with a greater than 4.0 weighted grade point average at high school graduation, which can be outstanding for scholarship and entrance evaluations. (Please note: this is for your information only, and can't be consider professional advice. We aren't authorities, and had to get help to do our homeschool graduate's grade point average; we suggest you seek expert advice for your transcripts.)

Melissa has wanted to explore these books with a group for a long time, and we are excited about having fun, growing both spiritually and academically, and learning to discern together. We want to help our Christians young people not just survive, but take back the media and higher education in this generation! Carpe Diem!

Borrow books from a friend, from your church library, or order from the library, if you don't have your own copy.

Note: If you own a copy of Starting Points, please note that the weeks that we will use on this Syllabus are different than what is used in Starting Points. We will also be covering additional material.

If possible, bring a notebook (and your copy of Starting Points, or other Christian worldview book) and/or a journal to every class. Your journal can be either electronic or hardcopy. You will be developing your own personal worldview, and writing notes in your notebook and your essay in your journal. Consider making your journal your very best work, suitable to pass on to future generations of your family. By the end of the course, you will have completed an essay describing your personal worldview, which you can, if you wish, share with the group or online. We will also consider publishing, as a group, an e-book documenting each completed student's work (allowing your work to be published is optional, and any completed work will be given away, not sold). Our intention is that our work will be a wake-up call to our culture's apathy, and answer the following questions:

"What is God like?What is the nature of the universe?What is the essential nature of man?What is the basis of morality and ethics?What is the cause of evil and suffering?What happens to man at death?What is the meaning of history?"-- Excerpt from Starting Points by David Quine

To explore these questions, and aid in discussion during the course, read books such as David Quine's Answers for Difficult Days, Know What You Believe, by Paul Little, and Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. Find many free online notes regarding Pilgrim's Progress and worldview at http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?sourceonly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=mtolive&subsetcat=series&subsetitem=Pilgrim , A Christian Worldview of Fiction blog at http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/tag/craft/page/2/ and Pilgrim's Progress Today, Worldview Discussion Guide, http://www.laelarrington.com/WorldView.pdf#search=

Week 1
Orientation and discussing of worldview (Starting Points, page 90-92, Chapter 2 of How To Read Slowly), overview of credit by examination programs and options, analyzing and interpreting literature and media; Free resources, handouts, pretesting. How to begin outlining Your Personal Worldview. Snacks and excerpts from movie: Pilgrim's Progress. Online discussion question: How does the worldview in Pilgrim's Progress contrast with our modern western cultural norms? Click on the "Comment" button. Post what you think!

2006-09-12T11:46:00.000-04:00

Five years after 9/11, words still failed me. I couldn't watch the movies, couldn't watch the news. I couldn't blog. Every once in awhile, I couldn't avoid passing through the living room where my husband sat, reliving again minute details from that harrowing day.

Even though I tried to ignore the mainstream media memories, no matter how hard I tried to avoid thinking about Patriot's Day, I struggled to sleep last night. I wished I could have written a brilliant blog post. I wished I could have done something to save all those children, moms and dads. I wished we didn't live in a world that hates our Lord and the "Crusaders" who follow Him.
Today is a new day. I see that our children still smile. They still homeschool and learn in freedom.

Yet, what of other children in other lands? What of the smallest and weakest humans in our own land, the tiny unborn with beating hearts are dismembered, the so-called "braindead" adults starved to death, those with disabilities denied medical care, the very old disrespected? May Patriot's Day remind us that in "the land of the free" we must protect the right to life and freedom for ALL, not just those who have a voice. May we never forget to protect the littlest and weakest humans--because that is what our Lord would do. May we protect our basic freedom to worship, and train up our own children in the way they should go. And may America bless God.

Faith and Action is a Christian outreach whose mission is to to reintroduce the Word of God into the public debate surrounding legislation and policy matters, and they blogged on Patriot's Day. "Sadly, it takes a grotesque act as barbarous as the 9/11 attacks to snap us out of our Pollyanna worldview and wake us up to reality. The deliberate, premeditated, intentional mass murder of thousands of innocent children, women and men epitomizes the complete violation of God's moral law for the Universe. Once again, the exception proves the rule: 9/11 couldn't have been evil unless an absolute Good truly exists. The Bible says that the Law of God is written upon our hearts. Somehow, even the most irreligious among us know this heinous act contradicted that often ignored Law."http://www.tencommandmentsoncapitolhill.blogspot.com/

Just the Facts Before You Vote

2006-09-05T17:18:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I'm already getting annoyed at various media, celebrities, and politicians who distort the truth. The focus of this blog is homeschool and Christian education, so I'm not taking sides here. (I'm sure you can easily find lots of other blogs to discuss your politics.) However, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, you can start some interesting political discussions around the dinnertable with Factcheck.org. I doubt if anyone can honestly claim to be totally unbiased, but they seem to take an honest shot at it. Use it to supplement your class on government, or as another view before you vote. Here's a sample:
An Election-Year Virus: De-bunked again and again, a false e-mail keeps circulating claiming members of Congress don't pay Social Security taxes. Get the facts!

Mystery Puzzle

2006-08-31T13:49:00.000-04:00

Try this challenging mystery puzzle just for fun, from the University of Victoria, B.C., Canada, at http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/puzzles/index.htm .

You'll also find free resources for english grammar, literature, reading, and vocabulary at their study resources site, http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/grammar.htm .

Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and Alternative Therapies

2006-08-25T12:49:00.000-04:00

Do you homeschool a child with special needs? I ran across an interesting article from Eparent, http://www.eparent.com/welcome/alternative.htm , about treating autism, PDD, hyperactivity, and various other developmental disorders. The article suggested that parents who don't know where to start "proceed in an orderly fashion through nutritional therapies, to body therapies (craniosacral and reiki, especially), through educational and behavior therapies, and through Chinese medicine...I use the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist and the Autism Behavior Inventory on a regular basis also to document progress. With any therapy, conventional or alternative, accurate data are needed to prove that the treatment is worth the expense and the side effects (if there are any). Fortunately, the majority of the alternative therapies have no side effects."

We homeschool a child who has special needs and is medically fragile. We have used various supplements (fish oil, amino acids) as well as methods from Communicating Partners, http://www.jamesdmacdonald.org/ .

What do you think? If you have a child with special needs, what have you tried, what works, and what doesn't? Please don't respond to this question if you are advocating a therapy in which you have a financial interest.

2006-08-09T13:04:00.000-04:00

On my to-do list for this week: remember to send in my "Notification of Intent" to our local school superintendent. My forms are ready for mailing; I just need to copy them.

Are you thinking about homeschooling this Fall, in the state of Ohio? Check out this free legal summary for homeschooling in Ohio, from Home School Legal Defense Association, http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=OH . Any questions? Contact HSLDA, or the Christian Home Educator's of Ohio, http://cheohome.org/ . Have a great year!

Promoting Comedy Book Written by Homeschoolers

2006-07-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you will all forgive me for the following shameless promotion for my homeschool graduate son, John Morgan, and his co-author, Alex Markley (who also homeschooled through high school).

"Oh no, not again...

That's right, everybody! The Unlikely Adventures of Malex and Icepunk is back and as funny as ever!
Long, long ago - 2004, in fact - Alex Markley and John Morgan took some classes together. Having nothing better to do, they hung out occasionally. Eventually, after John Morgan nearly killed himself in a freak lawnmower accident, Alex Markley realized that life was just too weird not to exploit it in the form of a serialized comedy.

Thus, The Unlikely Adventures of Malex and Icepunk was born!

Running for a year between 2004 and 2005 at MaI-Adventures.com, TUAoMaI was a truly amazing example of how much insanity can be conveyed in the English language. It was discontinued in the fall of 2005, but the vision lives on: To make people laugh.
To that end, we are re-releasing all fifty-two classic episodes on MalexMedia.Net's™ new TUAoMaI page as well as at MaI-Adventures.com! The first of these re-printed episodes was released early this morning. Subsequent episodes will be released at weekly intervals for the next year.

Additionally, we have recently re-released the novel as an ebook, which - due to the use of cheap electrons - can be delivered to you instantly without costing a significant fraction of your life savings. (That is, unless $6 is a significant fraction of your life savings, in which case I'm dreadfully sorry.)

We're all very excited about this opportunity. Never before has such a wide audience been exposed to these classic works, and we genuinely hope that you like them as much as we did.

Thanks for your time, God Bless, and have a great day!"
--Alex Markley

Finding Cheap Textbook for Homeschool High School/College

2006-07-20T12:49:00.000-04:00

Many homeschool families use college level materials to teach high school courses. How can you find cheap community college textbooks for high school? Check out local thrift stores, and Half Price Books if you have one in your area. Try the following web sites. Use the ISBN number to make sure you get the right edition, if that is important to you. Make sure that you are still getting a great deal after shipping and handling costs.
http://www.fetchbook.info/ http://www.bigwords.com/
http://www.cheap-textbooks.com/cheaper.php3?source=aw-cheaptextbooks-com
http://www.textbookx.com/index.php
http://www.campusbooks.com/index.php
http://gettextbooks.com/
http://www.studentlistings.com/default.asp?http://www.bookholders.com/
http://www.addall.com/
http://www.academicbookservices.com/
http://www.abebooks.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.half.com/
http://www.ebay.com/

That's a lot of sources. Please note, I haven't tried all of them personally. Sometimes it may be quicker to simply put the ISBN number into a search engine, along with the word "used."

On another note, ask for a free sample copy (U.S. residents only) from our friends at Brush Arbor Quarterly, which will focus on deeper Christian living, http://www.brusharborquarterly.com/ .

I hope everyone is having a great summer. Keep on blogging!

More Used Curriculum Sources for Homeschool

2006-07-13T11:53:00.000-04:00

This time of year, homeschool parents are looking for a few good books. Here are more sources for used curriculum:
http://www.homeschoolswap.com/
http://www.homeschoolclassifieds.com/
http://www.edaccents.com/
http://www.thislittlepiggystayshome.com/

Know a good source for inexpensive textbooks and homeschool materials? Please share it with us!

Piano Chords, Free Music, Frugal Homeschooling

2006-07-07T17:05:00.000-04:00

I've finally solved the mystery (to me) of piano chords! Yes, I took band in public school elementary and junior high. I know how to read music. But I always wanted to play piano--not a band instrument. Also, I wanted to help my children learn to play.

It seems like everything written for adults just assumed I already knew basic stuff--like what keys, exactly, do I press down to make chords?
Well, I just reviewed Scott "The Piano Guy" Huston's new book, "Play Piano in a Flash for Kids." Now chords--and piano playing in general--seems so simple. No mysetery, really. I just needed someone to "splain" it to me. If you, or anyone in your family, would like to learn to play piano, I highly recommend this book. Check out Scott's free music sheets and audio examples (from the book chapter "Some Fun Tricks that Sound Great!) at http://scotthuston.com/kidsbook .

Here are some new frugal sources for textbooks of all subjects, not just music, that I am looking into. Check out used curriculum for your homeschool, http://www.christianhomeschoolers.com/hs_curriculum_used.html
http://www.vegsource.com/homeschool .

As another Independence Day passes, I am thankful to God, for giving us a land where we can still homeschool and teach our children in freedom of conscience. May America remember to bless God, who has surely blessed America.

2006-06-26T18:46:00.000-04:00

I've managed to do some updating at an Eagle's Nest Homeschool, and added new resources and articles.

Also check out free Christian books, Christian magazines, Bible software, more, at http://www.christianityfreebies.com
and The Dollar Stretcher for free money-saving articles, massive archives and a powerful search engine engine, at http://www.stretcher.com.

Kids Need Parents, Not Professionals to Help Them Learn

2006-06-14T11:51:00.000-04:00

"PARENTS ARE THE ANSWER. Regardless of the number of professionals, children will learn to communicate best in their home lives. Parents have the greatest opportunity to teach their children how to communicate and yet there are very few resources available to parents for this purpose, This web site provides tested resources for building strong social relationships with children with delays."--Dr. James Macdonald, Communicating Partners, http://www.jamesdmacdonald.org/ . Check out "Dr. Jim's" free resources to help parents help their children at home with communication difficulties, apraxia, autism, and other challenges.

Christian School and Homeschool Free Download

2006-06-12T14:54:00.000-04:00

Download (free) part one of the Christian Liberty publication, “Christian Homeschooling,Foundation and Practice.”
Part one, “The Foundation of Christian Homeschooling,” contains:
“The Value of Christian Schools,” by J. Gresham Machen“What is Christian Education,” by Rev. Eric Bristley“Understanding Education,” by Tom Parent“How Should a Child Be Trained?” by J.C. Ryle
Download...

DaVinci Code or the Bible Code--Discover the Truth

2006-05-31T11:14:00.000-04:00

Discover "The Jesus Code." Read about the code in Matthew 13:13. Then discover the truth about "The Jesus Code," at http://www.eaglesnesthome.com/where.htm

Does the "The DaVinci Code" have the truth?

Listen to a message from Tom Short from Great Commission Association, GCA, refuting the implied claims of Dan Brown's book "The DaVinci Code."

His message can be heard and downloaded free of charge:

http://malexmedia.net/media/2006/04/30/2006_04_30_the_davinci_code#downloads

In addition, Tom's website is http://www.shortreport.com/.

Please also pray for God's truth to spread. You may frequently visit Tom's other website www.praydavinci.com.

Homeschool, Free and Frugal
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Copyright © 1997-2006 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or redistribution without prior written consent prohibited. Address reprint requests and other inquiries to: An Eagle's Nest Homeschool, Post Office Box 132373, Columbus, OH 43213-9373; 740-964-5575; school@NOMORESPAMeaglesnesthome.com
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Christian Homeschool to College Groups on Yahoo

2006-05-25T18:38:00.000-04:00

Graduation time looms large on the horizon; What do homeschoolers do after high school? I had to bend my unwritten rule of only posting once a week, in order to include information on Yahoo groups about homeschool to college. Why reinvent the wheel? Network, and get your questions answered.

Please note that I am not in control of any of these lists, so I can't approve or endorse them; as always, I count on your wisdom and discernment. Check out these lists, from Yahoo, and let me know what you think:

"conservativehs2c
412 Members, Archives: Membership required
This list is for conservative parents who are homeschooling a high school student and looking ahead to college. Conservative religious viewpoints (including traditional Christian, traditional Catholic, and traditional Jewish) are respected as the dominant viewpoint. The list is not for preaching or primarily religious content, but to serve this population of parents in having a peer group with whom they can give and receive advice about high school curricula, college applications, financial aid, ...(more)
chs2cbooks
68 Members, Archives: Membership required
This list is for homeschool parents who are on the conservative homeschool to college list, who are homeschooling college-bound teens and who want to buy or sell used books, resources and curricula. If you have books and resources you want to sell, you may sell it here, or join this list to be able to purchase used resources. Those with homeschool businesses who have items to promote may do so once per quarter, and may post one ad in the "file section" to be available permanently. Individuals ...(more)
thehomeschoolmomof2booklist
28 Members, Archives: Public
You do not have to be a homeschooler, but you do have to be family/individual who has childrens stuff to sell, or even college books. Small home businesses can post here, not big businesses. A place to come and sell, trade, and buy used homeschool materials. There will be no spamming or flaming. All homeschool related materials are welcome. So are other items as long as you follow the guidelines above. For example: I sometimes read techno thrillers, mysteries, romance, or whatever. Those items ...(more)

History, Science, Jefferson and Global Warming

2006-05-25T17:57:00.000-04:00

As the traditional school year draws to a close, we're still discovering that learning can take place all the time--even for grown-ups! It is so true what the Bible says--there is nothing new under the sun. Science, history, and debates on current events continually repeat themselves.

Fox news ran an unusual special on global warming this week. I'd like to share it with you. I thought I was fairly up on History (one of my favorite subjects--I read it just for fun!) However, I didn't know that Jefferson, in the time of the American Revolution, was something of a climatologist and meteorologist, and studied global warming until the end of his life. He left his notes, and I would imagine they make interesting reading.

Check out the article, about the global warming special, at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,195877,00.html. It is enlightening to see both sides of scientific debates, and discuss them as a family. Let me know what you think!

That Assessment Time Again

2006-05-16T18:03:00.001-04:00

Is it "that time again," when you need something to prove that your homeschooled students are learning something? Don't want to spend money to do it?

Download and print free Saxon Math placement tests at
Homeschooldiscount.com

Apologetics, Islam, Darwin Discussed at C.S. Lewis Society

2006-04-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

C.S. Lewis fans and home educators, the following articles are a sampling of the material from the C. S. Lewis Society, at http://www.apologetics.org. Lewis is most well known for his book, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"; however, his weightier works should not be neglected.

Articles from C.S. Lewis Society:

Is Islam correct? Is the Bible corrupted? by Tom Woodward
Johnson's Berkeley Faculty Symposium: Memo of Recollections
A Professor Takes Darwin to Court by Tom Woodward
OXFORD'S C. S. LEWIS -His heresy: Christianity from Time Magazine (9/8/1947)
Blaise Pascal by Bill Tsamis
Phillip Johnson's position paper on Darwinism
What is Darwinism? by Phillip Johnson
Darwinism's Rules for Reasoning by Phillip Johnson
The Storyteller and the Scientist by Phillip Johnson
The Founders Lectures by Phillip Johnson
Nihilism and the End of Law by Phillip Johnson
Darwin Under the Microscope by Michael Behe
Molecular Machines: Experimental Support for the Design Inference by Michael Behe
A Scopes Trial for the '90s by Stephen C. Meyer
"Doubts about Darwin" by Tom Woodward
"Staring Down Darwinism" by Tom Woodward
"Gould Attacks Critic" by Tom Woodward
Meeting Darwin's Wager by Tom Woodward
"Challenging Darwin's Myths" by Mark Hartwig

Homeschooling College Update--on a Shoestring

2006-04-10T17:19:00.000-04:00

Dr. Jim Bartlett kindly e-mailed me with an update regarding his homeschooling college program that we are looking into. We are not affiliated with his organization, but I am sharing his update FYI:

"I am just getting caught up with your requests for information via the Concourse website and have attached the mentioned report. The article titled "Why Not Bring Higher Education All the Way Home?" is linked here.

Lots of people are seeing the family and church problems stemming from modern higher education and are anxious for a Biblically minded family based alternative. Another helpful introductory review of the Concourse is linked here.

Its simply continuing home school through college with the Concourse as a support group. "

Sincerely, Jim Bartlett

_____________________________________
Dr. James Bartlett, PhD, PE ret.Executive DirectorBiblical Concourse of Home Universities &North Dakota Home School Association
1854 107th St. NE, Bottineau, ND 58318
Tel. 701-263-4574, Email.

Library Porn and Pagan Agenda--Just Say No! Again, That's Why We Homeschool

2006-04-03T15:45:00.000-04:00

Library porn--just say "No!" Pagan agenda--not with our kids!

What do you think of this article? The ALA (American Library Association) and Looking For Alaska -One Example of How the ALA Pushes Porn On Children,at http://www.safelibraries.org/pushers.htm#who_are_ya
According to the article, "Even children's book authors have become disgusted with recent trends in children's books, and the books have invaded school libraries and school curricula as well. Barbara Feinberg, author of "Welcome to Lizard Motel: Children, Stories, and the Mystery of Making Things Up" (Beacon Press), found her 12-year-old son Alex "steel himself, again and again, for the joyless task of completing the assigned reading for his 'language arts' class...."

Her curiosity plunges Feinberg into the contemporary genre of young adult (Y.A.) 'problem novels,' the bane of her son's existence."

"Teachers love them," the local librarian explains as Feinberg scans a shelf of such titles. "They win all the awards."

Well, I can't say that is encouraging news, either for authors or parents. Are you interested in avoiding the secular school, high school or public college agenda? Homeschooling through college, or at least freshman courses, can help students avoid secular courses that often target impressionable youth for indoctrination into secular worldviews.

Try these High School/College at Home Resources:

Distance Learning at Christian Colleges
Accelerated Christian Education, http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/acead.htm
Bob Jones University. http://www.bju.edu
LeTourneau University. http://www.letu.edu
Moody Bible Institute. http://www.moody.edu
Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy, http://www.obcl.edu
Patrick Henry College Web site: http://www.phc.edu/distancelearning
Regent University. http://www.regentundergrad.com
Taylor University. http://www.taylor.edu/
Trinity College of the Bible. http://www.trinitysem.edu
Whitefield College http://www.whitefieldcollege.org

More College and Scholarship Resources:

The AXA Achievement Scholarship, advice and access to help youth succeed in college and beyond, http://www.axa-achievement.com
Young Writer Workshop for students interested in poetry or fiction and looking to improve their writing,
http://www.dickinson.edu/summer http://www.hslda.org/memberdiscounts/0018.asp
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschool2college http://www.regent.edu/events/info_sessions/
Studentjobs.gov is OPM's official job site for students, and it's filled with great resources, tools, and links to
helpful information. Search for federal jobs and apply online, create and store a resume, assess your skills and interests in the Career Interests Center, learn about specific federal agencies or the federal hiring process, and more, http://www.studentjobs.gov
Vision Forum, Internship Web site: http://www.visionforum.com/aboutvf/internship/ Accelerated Christian Education: http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/acead.htm
Interested homeschool families, groups, Christian school groups, churchgroups, and others can learn more about the Family University Network at http://www.bartlettuniversity.com/. Questions may be addressed to Dr. James Bartlett (800-477-8626 or info@bartlettuniversity.com). The first 100 families to join will be givenfree membership in exchange for helping prime the network for operation.
Ambleside Online curriculum is provided free for the private use of homeschoolers, http://www.amblesideonline.org/
Homeschool pre-College Discussion Group Started: Donna Nimey has created a new homeschool group in the yahoo groups called homeschoolTHRUcollege, Send a blank e-
mail to homeschoolTHRUcollege@yahoogroups.com, with "Subscribe" in the subject line.
Free textbooks from INSIGHTS http://www.emcd.net/ free CD's and Fun Kits !http://www.homeschoolfreestuff.com/issues/45/45.html
Please note that all resources on this blog and at my web site are for information purposes only, and they are not affiliated with the author. Although I do my best to screen information, I count on you to exercise your own good judgment and discernment regarding what is appropriate for your family. I do not necessarily endorse or approve all aspects of organizations or web sites that are not part of An Eagle's Nest Homeschool.

Spring Cleaning: Household and Homeschool

2006-03-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

It's official: Spring cleaning time has arrived. In our house, that means we dig a little deeper into hidden dirt. We've swept, mopped, vacuumed, and steel wooled areas in our house. (Yes, some areas in our home need hard scrubbing.) We're not known for meticulous housecleaning. Still, our standards are high enough to keep us from condemnation and quarantine.

In homeschool, there is also a time for spring cleaning curriculum. If something hasn't been working, be brutal--when in doubt, throw it out! Yes, that's hard, especially if you have already invested a lot of time, money and effort. Why throw more money and time away?

It helps to remember that most people only learn something after seeing the information three or more times, in many different ways. One of the many benefits of homeschooling is that it allows parents to use different materials, according to their kids' individual learning style. As long as you abide by your local laws, you can custom design your child's education.

You don't need to dumb down your older homeschooler. Find curriculum to help your teen prepare for college, while still in high school. Check out this extensive listing of links to free learning materials in just about every college subject area imaginable (except, unfortunately, Bible): Academic Resource Core LINKS, http://www.geocities.com/arc_links/links_info.htm

Homeschooling contrasts sharply with the Deliberate Dumbing Down, One Size Fits All education system. Read more about the education agenda at http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com/pages/articles/choice1.html .
So, have you starting spring cleaning, either in your house or homeschool? Post a response--we'd love to hear what you think! Happy cleaning!

Finding Homeschool Support Resources

2006-03-20T18:29:00.000-05:00

Everybody needs a little help sometime. Looking for a homeschool network? Find an American, Canadian, or international homeschooling pal by contacting groups listed at Mary Pride's list of support groups, http://www.home-school.com/groups/ . I also list resources in my co-authored book, "Homeschooling on a Shoestring."

What Do You Really Need to Know?

2006-03-10T17:50:00.000-05:00

What are your learning goals for each subject in your homeschool? Do you find yourself--or your kids--becoming overwhelmed? Maybe some subjects and lessons are really brambles in the forest. Can you cut out some of the nonessential brambles?

If you feel pressured, maybe you can let something go in favor of what your kids really need to know--right now.

For instance, are your kids still struggling with reading? Teach the most used words first. 1234read.com offers a free list of essential words.

Concentrate on teaching the most important words. Then go on from there, and learn more.

No, no, I still believe in the importance of phonics. However, we can prioritize our phonics instruction to concentrate on the most used words, and how to learn them most efficiently.

I like to cluster similar word sound parts, and teach them together. For instance, if you can read and write "it," then you can learn "bit," "sit," "fit," and many more. Kids will quickly begin to see the patterns in reading and spelling. They will grow closer to the day when they become truly independent readers and learners. Then they will be equipped to learn whatever they need to know.

Sister's Keeper--Tear Jerker Article in Reader's Digest

2006-02-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

Do you love someone who struggles with health or learning challenges? Read this Reader's Digest article:

"Jeff and Molly Daly were separated as children when she was sent to an institution. Now, they're making up for lost time," at
http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.docontentId=21766&wtGroup=HWREDIRECT&wtID=molly .

I must warn you; prepare to cry.

4H, Science and Nature Study

2006-02-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

This week we're checking into 4H for one of our teens, who has always been interested in biology. You can find inexpensive science education resources through your local 4H program. You can join an already existing 4H group, or set up one just for your own family. Check out the national website, at http://www.4-h.org/, to find your local 4H group.

Here's another resource for science and nature study. "Celebrating Wildflowers" is an annual event sponsored by Federal Resource agencies (the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service) and their corporate, civic, and private partners to share the fascinating heritage of America's wildflowers with the public, to increase awareness of this unusual resource, and to promote its conservation. Print and accurately color more than 300 line drawings of wildflowers on this site, along with drawings or coloring guide for each plant.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/urban/flowers.htm .

Think Spring!

Happy President's Day: Holiday Unit Study Freebies

2006-02-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

How can you use America's holidays to inexpensively teach history to your children? Your only essential expenses will be a yearly calendar and a libray card. You can also find free resources on the internet. Check out the link, or search http://www.yahoo.com , or your favorite search engine. Try keywords such as "Christian holiday homeschool President's Day."

Here's a brief summary for home learning on a shoestring through holidays, listing samples of historical figures and dates for further research:

September: Labor Day honors the value of hard work, rewarded by rest and play. Peter J. McGuire, the founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, first suggested a national holiday to honor working people. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day an official national holiday. As a sideline, you and your children may wih to study the history of labor, unions, and what the Bible has to say about work and industry.

October: Every school child knows "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue." To really understand America, we must understand Columbus and his times. His own diary, in his own words, is one of the most revealing ways to research him.

November is replete with learning opportunities. Election Day is usually meaningless to children. But this need not be so. The most obvious way to study Election Day is not to read about it, but to bring children with you when you vote. You may wish to show your youngsters articles in the paper before and after the election, and discuss your views at the dinner table. Books on the political parties, the Constitution, and the branches of government may help answer their questions.

Veteran's Day: How many children really relate this holiday to their personal experience? In fact, how many even know what it means to be a veteran? On Veteran's Day, we honor the sacrifices made for freedom, and if we want to remain free, we must pass these ideals to our children. We are entering the second "me" generation, which appears to worship moral relatviity. It is becomeig difficult to explain why a person would be willing to die for abstract concepts like freedom and country. Thankfully, veterans still abound, and many will gladly talk about their experiences and patriotism, if approached respectfully. You may wish your child to film, record, or write a report on the volunteer.

Is Thanksgiving a holiday honoring turkeys? We may appreciate our turkey, but what use is a thankful heart, when we can't say "thank you," to someone? Certainly the turkey can't appreciate it, or say, "You're welcome." When the Pilgrims and Native Americans clebrated the first American Thanksgiving in 1621, no one wondered who deserved the praise. George Washington, in 1789, issued a general proclamation for a day of thanks. Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of the famous "Godey's Lady's Book," vigorously promoted a national Thanksgiving holiday. Finally, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed a national "Day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficient Father."

December: Most churches distribute Advent studies, available inexpensively or for free. With a story and a moral for each day, they may be read to the family before supper or bedtime, by a parent or an older child. Christmas, Advent, and Hanukkah traditions abound, and are too numerous to mention here. Ceremonies may prove powerful teaching tools, illustrating abstract concepts through concrete items such as candles and figures. The trick is to carefuly explain the true meaning to each succeeding generation. Otherwise, tradition becomes rote, eventurally losing all meaning.

January: New Year's Day-a day of new beginnings, and resolutions. Perhaps a time to review family and national history, and set new goals for study and work.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, although a relatively recent holiday, celebrates more than the life of one man. Martin Luther King's "dream" can become reality in our own children, as we emphasize the value of each individual human life, created in the image of God.

February: A nation with a holiday like Valentine's Day must revere true love, right? No, not the kind we see most often in modern media entertainment. St. Valentine, an early Christian martyr, gave his life for the love of his Savior and Creator. Even young children enjoy sounds and language, and will enjoy studying the various ancient Greek words for love. True "agape" love (in Greek) is a sacrificial love. "Greater love has no one than this..."(John 15:13)

President's Day commemorates more than Lincoln and Washington, and we can study, and honor all of our founders and leaders, past and present.

March: You may wish to research the exciting life of St. Patrick; there's more to March 17 than leprechauns, and shamrocks contain a deeper truth. Also, palm branches are still used by many churches for praise and worship on Palm Sunday. This is a great opportunity for a study on other cultural traditions.

April: We can read all about Passover, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, in the Old and New Testaments. Again, it is easy to get so steeped in our tradions of egg hunts and family dinners, that we assume our children understand the meaning of holidays.

May: Is Memorial Day just an excuse to open the swimming pools and start vacation season? One may think so. Still, we can carry on a tradition of honoring and remembering our ancestors. We can even use this holiday to visit graves and pull out the photo albums, geneology records, and videos. History starts with your family, and as a wise person once said, "If you go back far enough, everyone is related to everyone else." Another "M" holiday, is for moms. She deserves a break any day you want to celebrate.

June: Bring back the "F" holidays: Flag Day and Father's Day. We can bring honor for both, not just one day out of the year. Kids need fathers, every day! Fathers need and deserve respect, even more than they need ties. How about just for one day, dad gets to do what he wants to do?

July: Do our kids know what those fireworks on July 4th symbolize? It's a great time to read the Declaration of Independence, and the original writings of its signers.

August: In August our country is too busy traveling about the country to celebrate holidays. But you can make up your own, by recording and writing about your vacations, past and present. Celebrate growth, learning and life!

Please don't feel slighted if I left out your favorite holiday. Many calendars record our country's reverance for prayer (National Day of Prayer), humor (April Fools Day) the Bible (Bible Sunday), Children's Day (but every day is Children's Day!) , and even bosses and secretaries. Yes, and our society also glorifies Halloween--but miss the day after, All Saints Day. Originally Halloween was called All Hallows Eve. The traditinal holiday honors saints and martyrs from history. And of course there are hundreds of other holidays, many of which your family may wish to investigate. Federal, state and local governments constantly declare this day or that day.

Pick your favorite holiday. Students of all ages can work simultaneously on holiday projects, at their own level. Write a report, draw a picture, do a historical time line, compose or sing a song, give a play. You may even be able to use math: Is there something about the holiday to measure or count? How old is the holiday?

Often it is a bit difficult to get past modern hype and commercialism. The best place to find the real, uncensored meaning of any holiday is in the actual documents, sometimes difficult to find at any price. If you are researching a historical figure, and you can't find his original writings (search on the internet), have you tried asking your librarian to check their inter-libary loan system? Also, used bookstores will often perform a search for a particular book. Be sure to inquire about any search fees upfront.

Don't give up on holidays! You and your children can discover a world of true-life heroes, excitement, bravery, and achievement. The Santa Claus down at the mall may wear a fake beard and pillow under his jolly red suit, but St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas in Dutch)really lived in the middle ages, and fought to pass laws protecting the sanctity of human life. St. Patrick actually used a shamrock to teach the Itish about the trinity. Holidays are about real people, and we can use thier lives as examples of vaues which we revere.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiasiases 3:1)

What's a Mother to Do--Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

What's a Mother to Do?

During Christmas vacation I happened to watch a little daytime television one day (gasp!), which is something new for me. I'm not even sure why I did it. I started watching this program that had a doctor as host, and the guests were an unhappy married couple. The mom had several small children at home, and the dad constantly criticized her housekeeping.

After watching this sad drivel for awhile, and wondering why in the world anyone would want their own personal business paraded on national t.v., I turned it off out of embarrassment. But it started me thinking. What's a mother to do?

Later, my husband borrowed a movie, the Incredibles (see http://www.theincredibles.com ), from the library. The movie itself wasn't relevant to this topic, but on the bonus disk, we got to see the discarded vignette of the movie heroine defending motherhood as a much harder and more important job than saving the world.

Cool stuff, and nice that they included it in the bonus disk, even if it wasn't kept in the flick. (If you haven't checked out the bonus stuff on the Incredibles DVD, you might also enjoy a cute cartoon extra called "Boundin," that features a wise jackolope and a pitiful lamb.)

So, what does it really mean to be a homemaker and mother? Certainly the world's idea of striving for the most perfectly clean home with gourmet dinners every night is a hollow goal. What's really important?

What is a mother to do?

Anyone who looks at marriage and parenthood from the world's standards will have a hard time "getting" God's plan. The Bible depicts a wife and mother as "a help-meet," a companion, a keeper at home, an equal heir to the promises of God, a teacher of her children, and in Proverbs 31, a talented craftsperson and savvy businesswoman. These may look like contradictions, on the surface, but they are not. Yes, a mother takes care of the needs of her family, but oh, so much more than "just" a housewife!

God has created women and men with obvious differences, yet they are complementary in nature. No woman can be the perfect Proverbs 31 wife, as the Bible says "An excellent wife, who can find?" Each man and woman has their own individual talents and gifts; no one will be equally talented in every area. I have close friends who are talented in cooking and sewing, while I have little talent or interests in those areas. Through the help of the Lord, and my family, I've been able to use God-given gifts in language arts. We don't eat fancy, but my family doesn't starve.

What's a mother to do?

I read what is clear in God's Word:
"Seek first the kingdom of God," and whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord...with His help I am:

Writing books and blogs
Wiping up spilled messes
Grading tests
Dealing with sibling squabbles
Disguising leftovers
Allowing natural consequences
Asking "Why did you do this?"
Doing the laundry
Dealing with insurance companies
Helping my little one make Valentines
Getting ready to go out on a date with my husband--my teens are babysitting!

Wheeee....What are you doing today?

Crusaders in Current Events

2006-02-08T18:14:00.000-05:00

If you and your family keep up with current events, you've probably noticed that Islamic terorists frequently refer to American soldiers and their allies as "Crusaders." Yes, the Crusades, part of current events! What are American schools teaching kids about the historical controversy regarding the crusades? Consider the essay "Crusade Propaganda," written by Thomas F. Madden, a professor of history at Saint Louis University (in St. Louis, Missouri), and coauthor of The Fourth Crusade: The Conquest of Constantinople (1997 by the University of Pennsylvania Press) and the author of A Concise History of the Crusades.
Madden writes, "Now put this down in your notebook, because it will be on the test: The crusades were in every way a defensive war. They were the West's belated response to the Muslim conquest of fully two-thirds of the Christian world. While the Arabs were busy in the seventh through the tenth centuries winning an opulent and sophisticated empire, Europe was defending itself against outside invaders and then digging out from the mess they left behind. Only in the eleventh century were Europeans able to take much notice of the East. The event that led to the crusades was the Turkish conquest of most of Christian Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The Christian emperor in Constantinople, faced with the loss of half of his empire, appealed for help to the rude but energetic Europeans. He got it. More than he wanted, in fact."
If you and your family are studying the history of the middle ages, it makes sense to include a unit study on the crusades. Like it or not, our enemies are still fighting against Christianity--not just against America. Learn more about how our nation's textbooks are distoring the truth about the crusades, at http://www.textbookleague.org/121hakm.htm.
Once again...and that's why we homeschool.

Binding of the Blade Series

2006-01-31T15:01:00.000-05:00

Does your family enjoy fantasy and science fiction? Do you have trouble finding new quality Christian literature? Try the Binding of the Blade series, for young adults, written by L. B. Graham. I've been reading through the series, and enjoyed the believable characters, dragons, and almost breathtakingly beautiful writing.

Check out the link for a free sample chapter, and let me know--what do you think?

Update for Why Homeschool College?

2006-01-23T17:46:00.000-05:00

I see I gave you a broken link in my last post—to my own web page on Homeschooling College! Well, they say you do get your mind back, after your kids are grown up, so maybe there is hope for me yet, eventually. Here’s the corrected link: http://www.eaglesnesthome.com/unit.htm#topic5

We certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, and we’re prayerfully considering these issues regarding college for our family. Is there really an agenda in mainstream education to change the hearts and minds of Christian youth against the hearts of their fathers? Decide for yourself. See books such as "Brainwashed: How Universities Indoctrinate America’s Youth" and "Freefall of the American University."

Read more about the issues surrounding Christians in college, and the college at home option, at http://www.patriarch.com/college@home.html . Need to see more specific details about the often decadent modern college culture? Check out examples at http://www.collegeprowler.com/about_the_guides.asp. Parents—you can check out what you’re getting for your money. As the site puts it, “College Prowler has quotes from students about drugs on campus, Greek life, diversity, campus strictness and many other categories that don't usually pop up in traditional college guides. These quotes and categories are here to provide a helpful assessment of what's really happening on each campus.”

Are public middle and high school textbooks accurate and unbiased? Check out your kid’s textbooks:
Educational Research Analysts:http://www.textbookreviews.org
American Textbook Council:http://www.historytextbooks.org
Textbook League:http://www.textbookleague.org

All the more reason to consider Homeschooling high school and even college. You can save money and time, and pick your choice of textbooks. You can give your child a range of views, instead of the often unbalanced, one-sided liberal university view that has become prevalent.

Here are your weekly freebies:
Free downloadable educational e-book, How to Succeed as a Student,
http://www.zen40585.zen.co.uk/ .
Free Directions on how to make your own play clay, http://www.armhammer.com or 800-524-1328
Free Hunt Lettering Charts for learning the art of decorative handwriting,
http://www.speedballart.com
Learn Photography (count it as a high school level elective?) with 365 Days to Better Pictures, from Kodak, http://www.kodak.com , 800-599-5929
Learn Sewing basics (Home Economics) from http://www.sewing.org
Free educational newsletters and publications for students and people with visual challenges, http://www.navh.org
Developmentally Appropriate Practices, http://www.naeyc.org

Many thanks to http://whyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2006/01/carnival-of-homeschooling-week-3.html , for including this blog in their Carnival!

Why Homeschool College?

2006-01-13T16:43:00.000-05:00

Homeschooling is usually a better option than public schooling—this applies to high school, and even to college!

What—homeschool college? Is there really such a thing, and if so, why would we want to do it?

I can’t think of any place that works harder to change the values of young people than a public college. And they charge you for the privilege! Freshmen in particular receive tremendous pressure to toe the politically correct ideological line.

Homeschooling College can save you thousands of dollars, by testing out of classes and taking AP, CLEP and DANTES tests.

In most cases, Homeschooling College can get you college credit that is worth just as much as credit you get at a public college.

You save yourself a lot of time and aggravation. You can tailor make your college education, just like in lower grades.

Most young people can be ready for college level classes before the age of eighteen. Once you have enough college credit accumulated, you will be able to enroll in a university, if you wish, as an adult learner—which means you might not have to take SAT, ACT, or entrance exams. Even more important, you will not be burdened with the all too common poor quality, biased freshman courses.

If you are high school age, pick your favorite subject, and start studying at a college level. What are you waiting for? If you like homeschooling, you might love Homeschooling College.

Check into non-traditional methods for reducing college costs and graduating early. Look into ways students have received college credit for life experience such as extensive unit studies, portfolio evaluations, internships, travel, and ministry work. For information on credit for prior learning and life experience credit, check out http://www.nationalponsi.org/ and http://www.collegeispossible.org/ .

For more information on how you can homeschool college, investigate the free and inexpensive resources at http://ww.eaglesnesthome.com/unit.htm

Why Homeschool: Participating in the Carnival of Homeschooling

Back to Homeschool; Challenged by Sound?

2006-01-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

We're baaaack, after a nice long Christmas vacation. I guess we're ready to do school again, because the transition back into our homeschool routine went well.

I've been looking for help with auditory sensitivity in our youngest child, and I ran into a freebie you may enjoy. It is a free sample mp3 from a program for electronic auditory stimulation to help with sensory integration disorders. Download the Aiken Drum song here, at http://www.vitallinks.net/MP3/AikenDrum.mp3. It was enjoyable listening, whether you are challenged by sound or not.

Brr--Merry Christmas Freebies from Frozen Ohio

2005-12-19T17:16:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm a total wimp when it comes to the bitter cold spell we're having in Central Ohio. In order to stave off cabin fever, I'm already planning what to plant this spring.

I can't really justify the expense based on my poor track record growing vegetables. Of course, I feel better when I consider my garden as an educational opportunity for homeschooling.

Planning my garden used to mean poring over seed catalogs; now all I need to do is check out the web. Here are a few economical sources for plants and seeds. Maybe I can find out why my veggie plants fail. And yes, most mail order seed and plant companies will still send you a free print catalog--great for bathroom reading. (Of course, I am not responsible for the content of any of these sites. I count on your wisdom and discretion regarding revealing any personal or financial information on-line.)
Planning Your Dream Garden:
http://www.dutchbulbs.com/
http://www.burpee.com/
http://www.stokeseeds.com/
http://www.millernurseries.com/
http://www.parkseed.com
Freebee Mania:Do you and your kids have time on your hands over Christmas break? Try these sites for a variety of freebies, listed by categories, that your family might enjoy:
http://www.totallyfreestuff.com/
http://www.4free.net/
http://www.weeklyfreebie.com/
http://www.freeshop.com/
http://www.freemania.com/
http://www.nojunkfree.com/
http://www.freethings.com/
http://www.hotcoupons.com/
Here's one just for fun:
http://www.johnsonsmith.com/, Things You Never Knew Existed (Novelties and Gadgets--please preview before your kids, as some items may not be in good taste.)http://www.coolsavings.com/
http://www.shopathome.com/
http://www.catalogsavings.com/
http://www.2000freebies.com/
Have fun, and Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Gift Giving

2005-12-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Here in Ohio, it is definitely "beginning to look a lot like Christmas," with plenty of snow, and temperatures way below normal. Where is that Global Warming we keep hearing about?

Wondering what to get that special someone who already has everything? Here's an idea. You can make a donation in their name to http://www.samaritanspurse.org , Franklin Graham's organization, and send a gift to a person in need. Your special person will receive a card, describing your gift. You get to pick from a gift catalog, and apparently you can specify any amount. A few options that caught my eye were Bibles, baby chicks, and medical care for mothers and unborn babies.

Now, let's all see how many times we can say "Merry Christmas" this week!

A Unit Study on Christmas

2005-12-05T17:55:00.000-05:00

How about a unit study on Christmas, since many of us are taking off a week or two anyway? A site about colonial Christmas:http://www.history.org/almanack/life/xmas/customs.cfm

Here's something to keep kid's hands and minds busy over the Christmas holiday: order free (after shipping/handling cost) craft kits and supplies from http://www.makingfriends.com/free_samples.htm . Kids can make their own Christmas presents, such as a cross wind chime or a dad keychain with compass.

Free Karaoke Player for Homeschool and Special Needs

2005-11-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Download a fully functional, free karaoke player for your PC from http://vanbasco.com/. They also let you search for free karaoke songs to use on your player. You may enjoy using the karaoke player for homeschool music lessons.

We're using ours as music therapy with our youngest, who is medically fragile. Her biggest challenge is speech, as she struggles with articulation issues. Music and singing helps her to speak more clearly.

Homeschooling with Special Needs, Choices, Turn-Taking, Writing, and eBay

2005-11-21T13:33:00.000-05:00

Do you homeschool a child with special needs? (Yes, I know, all kids have special needs--that's the beauty of homeschooling--everyone can have an individualized education!) I'd like to share one way that helps me find a balance with teaching our littlest homeschooler, age 6. She is a "late talker" with medical and visual challenges. It may not work well for all families, but it is working well for us.

We use turn-taking with first grade workbooks. Susie picks from several workbooks. I read the directions, and then we take turns doing whatever the directions say. We also pick whatever color we want for the pens or pencils we use. Offering choices and taking turns with school sounds like it would take longer than a more directive approach, but trust me, it doesn't. It takes far less time, and is much more fun. Also, I find that my child imitates me more, and her speech continues to improve. For more information, see Dr. MacDonald Communicating Partners Website:http://www.jamesdmacdonald.org/

My oldest daughter has been working hard, helping me set up our eBay business. She is getting valuable real world business, writing and editing experience, and I sure appreciate her help. I couldn't have gotten it all done without her. We finally got our listings up this weekend, and now the truth is out--yes, we are closet Star Trek fans! You'll also find homeschool, educational, travel, and collectible items. Check out all my new stuff on eBay-- http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZwisestew . All sales help support our educational blog, website and homeschool.

Okay, fellow writers, here's a useful freebie: Find fantastic information about writing and the law at Susan Spann's great blog, http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/SusanSpann.

That Preschooler Just Wants to "Do School!"

2005-11-14T14:52:00.000-05:00

Is your little learner begging to “do school” like his older siblings or friends? If so, you can find printable worksheets for preschoolers that cost little or nothing. Your little one can happily match, trace, and find hidden pictures while older siblings work in their textbooks.

Find 400 free printable and age appropriate worksheets for math, english, geography, science, etc., at http://www.preschoollearners.com/. Preschoolers do activities such as matching flags in one column to matching flags in an opposite column. Find lots more free preschool resources, lesson plans, and printable preschool worksheets at http://www.tlsbooks.com/edulinks.htm .

Thankful for Freedom; Remembering Those in Chains

2005-11-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

As we thankfully enter the Thanksgiving holiday season, we can reflect on the great blessings, and responsibility, of living in a free country. Sure, maybe Christian parents and students have to put up with occasional anti-Christian sneers and innuendo. Once in a while, if we do something that the world considers really radical (such as mentioning what the Bible says about sin) we might acually find ourselves feeling a bit threatened. However, few American families experience the level of persecution that occurs daily throughout the world.

Here's one story, that you probably won't hear about on the mainstream news:
Radical, Militant Iraqi Resistance Group Attacks Christian Freedom International and Others for Attempting to Christianize Iraq, http://www.christianfreedom.org/messages.aspx?id=588 .

Find out about what our brothers and sisters in Christ experience. Learn more about history, geography and social studies. Sharpen your child's writing skills, and write to a Christian in prison. Receive a free monthly newsletter from:
Christian Freedom, http://www.christianfreedom.org
The Voice of the Martyrs, http://www.persecution.com

The Voice of the Martyrs also offers a free Christian Witness Under Fire map. We placed ours on our dining table, under a piece of clear plastic.

Pray for the prisoners in Christ.

Free music, graphics, photos, educational games

2005-10-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

Do you like educational freebies? Here are some that we've been looking at this week:

Free music and educational music software:
http://www.archive.org
http://www.solfege.org/Main/Download, for free educational software for music students

Free Fonts:
http://fonts.goldenweb.it/http://orcyber-media.com/freemusic/

Free Graphics and Photos
http://gimp-savvy.com/PHOTO-ARCHIVE
http://www.gnuart.net/http://www.photolib.noaa.gov
http://www.openclipart.org

Although I've visited these sites, I'm not connected with them, so I can't vouch for every page. I count on readers to use wisdom and discretion regarding their children's use of internet sources.

Free Educational Study Resource to Homeschool College

2005-10-23T17:35:00.000-04:00

Recommended by http://www.liberty.edu (Liberty University), Study Tactics, http://college.studytactics.com/cgi-vb/sthomepages.mac/college?FVCUSNO=1589, offers thousands of free educational resources! Check it out!

Networking, Support Groups, and Special Needs Homeschooling

2005-10-17T17:22:00.000-04:00

Are you considering homeschooling? Do you need help explaining your homeschooling decision to relatives or friends? Visit http://www.consideringhomeschooling.org, the National Outreach of "Considering Homeschooling Ministry" a non-profit organization are sponsored by Morningstar Educational Network, a 501 (c) 3 organization for the purpose of helping Christian parents with babies, toddlers, preschoolers and with their children in secular schools to homeschool their children from a Christian worldview. They offer FREE on-line videos.

We homeschool in Ohio. Requirements vary by state and sometimes also by district, but it is legal to homeschool your child with special needs. Get in touch with your state homeschool organization, also HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Assoc.) and NATHHAN (which is the national org. for homeschoolers with special needs), http://www.nathhan.com/ . It is important to network with others who homeschool in your area; Check out Mary Pride's list of Homeschooling support groups, international, http://www.home-school.com/groups/.

Homeschooling with special needs is a challenge; but I often hear from friends with kids in school programs that they also suffer many difficulties. Through the grace of the Lord and the guidance of many, many faithful friends and family members, we're able to homeschool our youngest, who is medically fragile. If you want to see Susie's web page, it is at: http://www.eaglesnesthome.com/susie.htm

And That's Why We Homeschool!

2005-10-13T18:12:00.000-04:00

This is the best write-up I've seen yet--

And That's Why We Homeschool! What do you think?

"As reported by Zan Tyler, Author of 7 Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential, new research reveals 92% of children from Christian homes will reject Jesus: I spoke this winter at Sally Clarkson's WholeHearted Mother Conference in Dallas on "Seven Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential." As I discussed tool number four (Developing a Christian
Worldview), I gave some of these same startling statistics. One mother sought me out after the workshop and informed me that her husband works for Josh McDowell Ministry. She said the statistic they are now using for evangelical children (actually teens and young adults) abandoning the faith is 92 percent. 92 percent! That is catastrophic.

Did you know the latest study by Dr. Brian Ray discovered 94% of children educated at home will keep their faith in Jesus?

85% of children from Christian homes that attend public schools for 12 years will reject Christ by high school graduation."--from http://www.consideringhomeschooling.org/PublicSchools.html

Jesus is the Light; Light Up the Night on Halloween

2005-10-11T12:31:00.000-04:00

Looking to make a difference in your community? Not sure what to do about Halloween? Check out how the American Tract Society is equipping evangelists of all ages in the Light Up The Night project.

ATS Spokesperson, Donna Skell stated, "ATS is providing tracts, candy, toys (i.e. glow in the dark wrist bands), as well as free internet games and resources to be read and enjoyed by recipients of the tracts. And we are giving away relevant resources for churches and individuals if they go to our website, http://www.light-up-the-night.org/ and download them for their own use. Kids can win an Apple iPod Shuffle in one of the online contests we're having, too."

Jesus calls himself the light; why should be celebrate the darkness of Halloween? Christians have an alternative holiday to celebrate--All Saint's Day. As All Saint's Day approaches, I can thank our Lord for my dad, L. Charles Brown, who went to be with the Lord on All Saint's Day. Find out What Our Dad Taught us, at http://www.eaglesnesthome.com/dadsandgrandpas.htm.

Christian Families and the "Top Universities:" Worthy Goal or Worldly Trap?

2005-09-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

According to a recent article in the Washington Post, "College faculties, long assumed to be a liberal bastion, lean further to the left than even the most conspiratorial conservatives might have imagined, a new study says...By their own description, 72 percent of those teaching at American universities and colleges are liberal and 15 percent are conservative, says the study being published this week. The imbalance is almost as striking in partisan terms, with 50 percent of the faculty members surveyed identifying themselves as Democrats and 11 percent as Republicans...The disparity is even more pronounced at the most elite schools, where, according to the study, 87 percent of faculty are liberal and 13 percent are conservative.... The findings, by Lichter and fellow political science professors Stanley Rothman of Smith College and Neil Nevitte of the University of Toronto, are based on a survey of 1,643 full-time faculty at 183 four-year schools. The researchers relied on 1999 data from the North American Academic Study Survey, the most recent comprehensive data available...Top-tier schools, roughly a third of the total, are defined as highly ranked liberal arts colleges and research universities that grant PhDs. The most liberal faculties are those devoted to the humanities (81 percent) and social sciences (75 percent), according to the study. But liberals outnumbered conservatives even among engineering faculty (51 percent to 19 percent) and business faculty (49 percent to 39 percent)...The most left-leaning departments are English literature, philosophy, political science and religious studies, where at least 80 percent of the faculty say they are liberal and no more than 5 percent call themselves conservative"--Washingtonpost.com, Tuesday, March 29, 2005; Page C01.

What do you think? Should Christian students seek after scholarships at ivy league colleges with a pagan agenda? How about homeschooling college and picking your own books to read? For instance, don't just read ABOUT Bishop James Ussher from the politically correct slant; read Ussher's book for yourself and think for yourself. Most original source documents are available for free. Try this educational, Christian worldview freebie on for size:
The Annals of the World, by Bishop James Ussher, 1580-1656, a free copy of the public domain book, at http://bennieblount.org

Blue Monday Laundry Put on Hold; College Scholarship Game Opportunity

2005-09-19T17:22:00.000-04:00

Here it is, Monday, again. Monday as in "Blue Monday," the traditional day you get your laundry done. For me, Blue Monday means, as in my washer and dryer are both giving me fits. I did a little research on the internet to diagnose the problem. Here's the best site I found, http://www.repairclinic.com, and it looks like my washer has one of the following problems:

"If your washer pumps out the water but doesn't spin, check these:
The lid switch may be defective. If it is, the washing machine doesn't spin. The switch is inside the washing machine main housing near the door frame. Often you have to raise or open the top or front of the washing machine to get to the switch. If it's defective, you need to replace it.
The motor coupler may be broken. Many WhirlpoolÂ®-manufactured washers use a small, relatively inexpensive motor coupling. It's plastic and rubber and is mounted to the shaft of the motor on one side, and to the transmission on the other. Over time, the coupler wears out and fails. You may need to replace it.

A belt may be broken. Many washing machines have one or two belts. If a belt is broken or badly worn, you need to replace it with a genuine belt from the manufacturer. (Some washing machine belts are designed with special characteristics not found in automotive belts.)
The clutch may be worn. If your washer is a GE, it may use a clutch to come up to the proper spin speed. As the clutch wears out, it may prevent the unit from spinning well or at all. If the clutch is worn, you need to replace it. For this job, you probably want to hire a qualified appliance repair technician.

The drive motor may be defective. Many washer brands use a reversing motor. For agitation the motor runs in one direction, for spinning and draining, the other. It's possible for a motor to burn out in one direction and continue to operate in the other. If this happens, you need to replace the entire motor.

The transmission may not be shifting properly. Older washers produced by WhirlpoolÂ® have a transmission with an electro-mechanical shifter. If the shifter becomes even partially defective, the unit may drain the water but not spin. This is a complex system, if your washer has a shifter problem, you may want to hire a qualified appliance repair technician to repair it.
The spin bearing or basket drive may be worn or seized. These components allow the inner tub to spin freely inside the outer tub. When this is the problem, you usually hear a loud sound during the spin cycle. Call a qualified appliance repair technician. "

Had enough? I know I have. Sure, I want to save money for homeschooling, but I'm an educational writer, not an appliance repair person. I'm not about to take my washer/dryer apart and replace parts, even if I could figure this stuff out. So it looks like Blue Monday will have to be put on hold, along with all the dirty laundry.

Switching gears (washer parts again?) from housework to homework, we're still looking for ways to pay for college. Do you like "trivial Pursuit" style educational games? Have you tried the Common Knowledge Scholarship Game? Our high school age homeschool students are thinking about getting involved. As I understand it, students take on-line quizzes, and receive points for correct answers and according to how fast they answer correctly. The contest is created in conjunction with the Deaver Foundation and Nova Southeastern University. It is possible to miss a quiz and still win the scholarship, according to the web site. "The questions could cover topics ranging from book knowledge to common sense to trivia, "from the sublime to the ridiculous." - Jim Chartre

View the Rules for the Common Knowledge Scholarship Game, at , http://www.cksf.org/

The Free Truth About Governement Surplus Property

2005-09-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

Homeschooling on one income? If you're like our family, you're always looking for a way to save money. You've problably seen ads promising ridiculously cheap governement property, such as "buy a governement surplus jeep for $50!" Needless to say, those ads just take your money, and don't deliver the jeep. At best, they might provide you with a poor quality brochure of information that you can get yourself, for free. It's easy to find out the truth about government surplus property. Try these free web sites:

Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service - offers government surplus property.
US Customs Public Auctions - from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Items include real estate, vehicles, jewelry, apparel, electronics, and more.
United States Treasury Auctions - with information on and links to government managed seized property auctions.
GSA: Government Vehicle Sales - offers a directory of public auctions throughout the country selling pre-owned government vehicles.
IRS Real Estate and Personal Property Sales - describes where the IRS advertises property seized for the non-payment of income taxes.
GSA Auctions - official site for government surplus, seized, and forfeited property.
FedSales.gov - official U.S. Federal Government portal for information on all assets, surplus, and auctions currently offered to the public across all U.S. Federal agencies and departments.
Federal Communications Commission Auction - features information on FCC auctions of licenses for electromagnetic spectrum, including schedules and reference materials.

"Maybe God's Going To Cleanse Us."

2005-09-06T13:21:00.000-04:00

What if...The terrible destruction from Hurricane Katrina--which, I understand, means "Cleansing--"started a revival in the hearts of the Hurricane survivors?
What if...Those Hurricane survivors, being sent across America to become assimilated into other cities, spread revival around the country?
Perhaps something to think about--or better yet, something to pray about.
Perhaps it has already started. On September 1, the New Orleans City Council President said:
"Maybe God's Going To Cleanse Us."
See the complete article at LifeSite, http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/sep/05090111.html
Log on for a free subscription to LifeSiteNews.com, http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/subscribe/, an alternative to the mainstream news media.

World Relief, the Church, and Hurricane Relief

2005-09-05T22:02:00.000-04:00

World Relief, http://www.wr.org/forum , is providing a web service to "facilitate the partnering of churches seeking support and individuals and groups seeking to volunteer their time and expertise in the hurricane-affected region.At this time, World Relief is requesting that churches in need of help post requests. People or churches wanting to volunteer will be able to contact churches directly. If your team plans on responding to a particular church's need - you may post that info - but please refrain from posting personal contact information. Once you register to use this forum, people may contact you by email.God Bless Your Efforts!"

Relief Efforts for Katrina Hurricane Victims, and Avoiding Fraudulent Charities

2005-08-31T16:03:00.000-04:00

The catastrophic damage in Louisiana and Mississippi defies understanding. Many families feel helpless, watching the incredible suffering on television day after day. See a comprehensive list of charities participating in relief efforts, http://instapundit.com/archives/025235.php . Also, check out Franklin Graham's (Billy Graham's son) http://samaritanspurse.org/.

Many families desperately desire to help, but may be easy prey to fraudulent, vulture-like charity schemes. If we truly wish to make a difference, and help those unfortunates caught up in disaster, we must be wise stewards, and donate to legitimate charitable organizations.

The FTC provides this FTC Charity Checklist:

"Thinking about donating to a charity? The Federal Trade Commission advises that you consider the following precautions to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help. They're good practices whether you're contacted by an organization's employees, volunteers or professional fund-raisers, soliciting donations by phone, mail or in person.

Be wary of appeals that tug at your heart strings, especially pleas involving patriotism and current events.
Ask for the name of the charity if the telemarketer does not provide it promptly.
Ask what percentage of the donation is used to support the causes described in the solicitation, and what percentage is used for administrative costs.
Call the charity to find out if it's aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name.
If the telemarketer claims that the charity will support local organizations, call the local groups to verify.
Discuss the donation with a trusted family member or friend before committing the funds.
Don't provide any credit card or bank account information until you have reviewed all information from the charity and made the decision to donate.
Ask for a receipt showing the amount of the contribution and stating that it is tax deductible.
Understand that contributions made to a "tax exempt" organization are not necessarily tax deductible.
Avoid cash gifts. They can be lost or stolen. For security and tax record purposes, it's best to pay by check - made payable to the beneficiary, not the solicitor."

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on wise giving, visit www.ftc.gov/charityfraud or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

For more information from Home School Blogs,
homeschool
Find more information about Christian Homeschool Blogs:
Christian homeschool

Avoid Scams in Education, Health, Work

2005-08-31T15:54:00.000-04:00

Be a wise steward; use this free consumer information from the Federal Trade Commission to avoid scams:

Coping with a Temporary Loss of Income [TEXT]
Choosing a Career or Vocational School [TEXT] [PDF]
Diploma Mills: Degrees of Deception [TEXT] [PDF]
Federal and Postal Job Scams: Tip-offs to Rip-offs [TEXT] [PDF]
'Free Grants': Don't Take Them For Grant-ed [TEXT] [PDF]
Get-Rich-Quick and Self-Employment Schemes Campaign [TEXT]
Guide to the Federal Trade Commission [TEXT] [PDF]
Help Wanted...Finding a Job [TEXT] [PDF]
Making a Buck: Employment and Work-at-Home Information [TEXT]
Medical Billing Business Opportunity Schemes [TEXT] [PDF]
OUCH...Students Getting Stung Trying to Find $$$ for College [TEXT] [PDF]
Out of Work? How to Deal with Creditors [TEXT] [PDF]
Scholarship Scams Campaign [TEXT]
Scholarship Scams (audio) [TEXT] [RAM] [MP3]
The Secrets of Mystery Shopping Revealed [TEXT] [PDF]
Student Surveys: Ask Yourself Some Questions [TEXT] [PDF]
Work-at-Home Schemes [TEXT] [PDF]
Work-at-Home PSA - 10 Seconds (audio) [TEXT] [RAM] [MP3]
Work-at-Home PSA - 20 Seconds (audio) [TEXT] [RAM] [MP3]
Work-at-Home PSA - 30 Seconds (audio) [TEXT] [RAM] [MP3]
Work-at-Home PSA - 60 Seconds (audio) [TEXT] [RAM] [MP3]
Business Information
Avoid Fake-Degree Burns By Researching Academic Credentials [TEXT] [PDF]
Guides for Private Vocational and Distance Education Schools [TEXT] [PDF]

Summer's End: Deja Vu, Unfortunate Events, Homeschool Resources and Freebies Too

2005-08-26T11:27:00.000-04:00

Next week is our last week before the official start of the Morgan homeschool year. We start school on the traditional day after Labor Day. How about you? I hope you've had a great summer, and are ready for an exciting new homeschool year.

This month we acquired a new family member from the homeless cat shelter. We've been learning a lot about our new kitten, named Deja (as in the word deja vu, which here means "it's happening again," as in that naughty cat is getting into trouble again!) After she was with us for only a few days, we realized that she had a rather nasty and unpleasant health condition, requiring a trip to the vet, followed by the added responsibility of forcing pills into her tiny but very toothy mouth. In addition, I've also found out that it is a reeeeeally bad idea to leave a plant sitting in a window over a computer printer, when Deja is in the house. Trying to clean planter dirt out of printer and get the printer operating again is a real challenge. Nevertheless, Deja is a lot of fun. Our littlest homeschooler, who has an animal phobia, has learned to pet and help take care of her. Here's a digital picture of Deja that my oldest daughter took. You can see the chronically guilty look on Deja's face.

Did you read any good books over the summer? We've been reading through the entire Lemony Snicket Series of Unfortunate Events, which we've been borrowing from our public library. We have to take turns reading the books, which in my case means I couldn't read the series in order. I'm happy to report that I haven't found anything objectionable--unlike other modern series, Unfortunate Events are refreshingly free from elements such as witchcraft and occult elements-thus far, although some families might be a bit put out by the author's morbidly unusual sense of humor. The books painlessly challenge the vocabulary of both kids and adults (even many Scrabble champions might find the need to look up the word "ersatz" in a dictionary), and cleverly tweak thinking and deductive skills.

I especially like the love and acceptance of eachother's gifts that the three main characters show in the books, as well as their politeness to adults. I love how Snicket's characters understand their baby sister's unique language, even though no one else seems to listen. Perhaps we identify closely with the characters, as our youngest homeschooler has articulation challenges. Our oldest daughter exclaimed, "They're just like us!"

No, Lemony Snicket isn't paying me anything for this positive review, but Count Olaf might put me on his bad list for this. I haven't visited http://www.lemonysnicket.com , but when I do, perhaps I'll finally solve the mystery of what happened to Lemony Snicket's lost love, Beatrice. If not, I guess I'll have to read Lemony Snicket's Unauthorized Autobiography.

Even though the summer is about to end, and we're battling annoying colds, I can't stop looking for interesting, free and frugal resources for homeschooling. Here are some that I'm investigating now:

The Book Cellar, with new and used textbooks, discounted A Beka, BJU. Saxon, Rod & Staff, Christian Liberty Press and more, http://www.bookcellaronline.com
Academic Superstore, get discounted software for homeschool, teacher's, schools, 800-544-6615, free shipping from web site orders,
http://HS.AcademicSuperstore.com
AVKO Dyslexia and Spelling Research Foundation, free handwriting, spelling, keyboarding, reading, study resources and lessons, http://www.AVKO.org
Heart of Dakota, free sample pages of Christ-centered learning, http://www.heartofdakota.com
Video Text, free sample Algebra video, http://www.videotext.com
Beginnings Publishing, creation-based and God centered, student driven science curriculum, 800-831-3570, http://www.beginningspublishing.com
R and D Educational Center, God's Design Science, creation based science for grades 1-8, recommended by Dr. Wile of Apologia Science, http://www.rdeducation.com
A Reason For, with handwriting, spelling, science and Reading using scripture, 800-447-4332,
http://www.AReasonFor.com
Practical Homeschooling magazine (I write a column for Practical Homeschooling), offers a free email newsletter, as well as a free issue of the magazine, http://www.home-school.com . Look for my Preschool for Pennies column in the magazine.
Unless the Lord magazine, for Christian parents encouraging the building up of godly families, http://www.UnlesstheLordMagazine.com
Beautiful Feet, study guides, time lines, D'Aulaire biographies, Genevieve Foster's 'World' titles, Rea Berg's History Through Literature, http://www.bfbooks.com

Avoiding College Debt: Scholarships for Homeschoolers

2005-08-24T16:36:00.000-04:00

Our family strategy to avoid college debt includes accelerating college through adult learning opportunities, gaining college credit through examination, investigating lifetime learning credit, check into work-study programs, and, of course, scholarship opportunities. All this can be somewhat overwhelming. Our homeschool graduate son is using the shotgun approach--fill out a lot of scholarship applications, write as many essays as he can, pray, and let God do the rest.

Find out about free scholarship money available to homeschool students at http://www.homeschoolzone.com/faq/free.htm . Use a free search program to locate scholarships for college at http://www.fastweb.com . Also visit the Student Services and the Financial Aid Information Page.

Intent to Homeschool, Special Needs Education and Unit Studies

2005-08-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

I always wonder, when I send in my "Letter of Intent to Homeschool" to our local school superintendent every year, if the school actually reads my carefully compiled list of resources and curriculum. Well, you will surely be relieved to know, that they do indeed read it. I received a phone message from our local district, thanking me for sending in information on my youngest children. However, they wondered what happened to our oldest (who is not yet eighteen)--why didn't I send information about him? I truthfully replied that he was enrolled in Park University, so we were no longer including him in our notification. The school official simply thanked me for the information; evidently satisfied. Whew!

I am thankful that I'm homeschooling in a country that guarantees parents the right to train up their own children, and teach them according to their sincere beliefs. I realize that in many countries, this isn't possible. I am also thankful to God, who grants us wisdom to train our children according to their gifts--whatever labels or diagnosis they may have been given by education experts.

Everyone is gifted, in some area. God makes people different for a reason. Thomas Edison's schoolmaster called the seven year old inventor-to-be "addled." Edison's mother removed her son from school after only three months, and taught him at home. The trick is to find out what your child likes best, and then incorporate it into his education. Unit studies can be the open door for a labeled child. Read more about unit studies at my web page, http://www.eaglesnesthome.com/unit.htm .

Your family may enjoy a unit study on famous homeschoolers, such as Thomas Edison. Here are a few more, to get you started: Alexander Graham Bell, Agatha Christie, Albert Einstein (although he didn't talk until the age of four--some people believe he was challenged by autism-- he taught himself calculus, and other abstract subjects), Wolfgang Mozart, Mark Twain, George Washington.

Here are some of my favorite Special Needs Resources. Hint: Try mixing special needs resources up. Use some of the techniques for Kids labeled learning disabled to teach your gifted preschooler. Try some of the gifted programs on your learning disabled child. In my opinion, all kids are gifted by God; and we all have our limitations. Also, many resources can be borrowed through inter-library loan; it’s worth a try to ask your local librarian.

NATHHAN, P.O. Box 39, Porthill, Idaho, 83853, 208-267-6246; http://www.nathhan.com/ , North American support group for homeschoolers with special needs.
Special Ed., http://specialed.miningco.com/
http://www.songsoflove.org/ , offers free personalized songs for seriously ill children.
ADD, http://add.miningco.com/
Woodbine House, special needs books, http://www.woodbinehouse.com/
Communication Aids, http://www.communicationaids.com
Communicating Partners, James MacDonald's unique family-friendly speech program, http://www.jamesdmacdonald.org/

Organizing a New Homeschool Year

2005-08-12T17:57:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know, this Blog is late. Is anyone else scrambling to get all their ducks in a row for the new school year? I'm putting the finishing touches on our homeschool program for our high schooler, as well as our first grade homeschooler with special needs.

This has been a week of high learning curves...we took the leap and enrolled our oldest, a homeschool graduate (John Morgan, Malex Media Network Consultant, http://news.mnet-media.com/ ) in Park University, http://www.park.edu . Park has students at forty-one campus centers, as well as on-line. In twenty states, Park University offers learning options to fit the needs of a very mobile student population--including homeschoolers.

Organizing is essential to a successful homeschool. To learn more about the art of organizing, read books by Bonnie McCullough such as 401 Ways to Get Your Kids to Work at Home, and Totally Organized. I also recommend Sandra Felton's book, The Messies Manual. In addition, try out these frugal resources:

*Free Homeschool Planner and Organizer, includes Month View Calendar, Weekly Planner, Weekly Assignment page, Unschooling Record Keeper, Unit Study Planner, www.thehomeschoolmom.com/planner.html.
*Eclectic Homeschool, www.eho.org , offers free downloadable homeschool planners, schedulers, reading lists, chores charts, etc.
*Education Plus offers an inexpensive ($15) kit with 2 audiocassettes and a 24-page booklet. The kit will help you identify 14 basic areas where every home needs an organization plan and step-by-step checklist to survive the demands of family life, http://www.edplus.com/.
*Free Homeschool Tracker software, www.tghomesoft.com.

Analyse Your Spending With Free Budgetometer

2005-08-02T23:03:00.000-04:00

Looking for a way to find more dollars for homeschooling or travel? Try the free Budgetometer, which analyzes your spending in the three major "budget buster" categories: housing, auto, and debt, at Crown Financial Ministries, http://www.crown.org/Tools/budgetometer.asp .

Liberty Home Bible Institute, and Homeschooling College

2005-07-29T13:21:00.000-04:00

Here's another interesting option for homeschooling college, again from Liberty U. , The Liberty Home Bible Institute, http://www.lhbi.org/why.html . As far as I can tell, the complete program can be applied to up to 24 college credits at Liberty U. Here's a question: would they be accepted as transfer credit at any other university? I don't know. Does anyone else have any experience with Liberty U.?