Bob Jones: How We Homeschool

I started my homeschooling career as an "eclectic" homeschooler. For me, that just meant that I could not decide on a course and stick with it. I found that both my son and I prefer a more settled routine and my son's knowledge and performance have soared using a traditional curriculum. He knows what to expect, saving him a lot of energy instead of having to get used to something new all the time. He now puts that energy into learning large amounts of information, study skills, creative writing and more.

We have been using the Bob Jones homeschool curriculum and I am now using it for Alyssa as well.

We are very pleased with it. A common complaint about Bob Jones is that it is "too much". As homeschool parents, we must pick and choose from a myriad of options, like a buffet style meal. The Bob Jones curriculum is very much like that.

Two or three hands-on activities, one read-aloud and one field may be suggested for one lesson! Of course, you should not feel like you must do it all. I spoke with one of the Bob Jones consultants who used to be a Christian school teacher and she said that classroom teachers certainly do not use every single suggestion given in the teacher's manuals and it is unlikely that most homeschool moms will either.

The Bob Jones materials have high-quality graphics and color printing which my son appreciates. Themes are united across subjects into mini-unit studies and these early years, primary grades, have a strong emphasis on language arts and Bible basics.

If you or your child are struggling with an eclectic or more relaxed approach, try a more traditional textbook approach and see it the routine, familiarity and structure may benefit you or your child. It definitely worked for our family.

K4 Foundations Home School Kit

Reading Grade 1, Home School Kit (3rd Edition)

Spelling Grade 1, Home School Kit (Third Edition)

Grade 1 (Phonics & English)

Music Grade 1 Homeschool Kit Revised

Vacation Stations Book 1: Beyond The Back Door (between K5 & Grade 1)

The Blessings of a Gift

I was humbled and surprised when a friend of mine, Elizabeth over at HomeEdUnderGrace had a book that I really wanted to sent to me from Christian Book Distributors. It was a collection of C.S. Lewis classics that I had seen at her house. Elizabeth is a very busy homeschool mom yet she took the time to think of me and to very specifically act on my behalf.

What a lovely bright spot in what was an otherwise dreary day to receive an unexpected and dare I say, undeserved gift. As thankful as I am for that gift, I am reminded of how much more grateful I should constantly be for the grace and mercy that God so undeservedly showed to me.

Is that perhaps the hidden blessing in every gift, that it reminds us of and points to the greatest gift ever given to mankind, Jesus Christ himself?

Now I am challenged: when was the last time that I stepped out of my busy life to bless someone else with an unexpected gift?

I pray that God will open my eyes and my heart so that I can bless someone with an unexpected gift that may make a difference.

Switched-On Schoolhouse: Look Inside

Want to know more about exactly what subjects are covered in the comprehensive Switched-On Schoolhouse curriculum? Featured below find a sampling of subjects for the SOS:

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Bible Grade 3 By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 History & Geography Grade 3 By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Language Arts Grade 3 By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Science Grade 3 By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Placement Tests By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Elementary (Grades 3-6) Spanish By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Health Quest By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Home Economics By Alpha Omega Publications

Switched-On Schoolhouse 2008 Consumer Math By Alpha Omega Publications

Click on any of the links to find out more.

Christian Liberty Homeschool

I have been using assorted Christian Liberty materials since my earliest years of homeschooling. Now, I primarily use their texts as supplements to my main homeschool curriculum. We especially enjoy the history, nature and Bible materials published by Christian Liberty. Browse some popular Christian Liberty products below:

Boys and Girls of Colonial Days (Revised) By Carolyn Sherwin Bailey / Christian Liberty Press

Christian Liberty Nature Reader Pack, 5 Volumes, Second Edition By Christian Liberty Press

Studying God's Word B: Basic Christian Doctrines By Michael McHugh / Christian Liberty Press

Writing with Prayer, Second Edition Grade 2 By Michael J. McHugh / Christian Liberty Press

American Pioneers and Patriots, Second Edition, Hardcover By Caroline D. Emerson / Christian Liberty Press

Birthday Prayer For My Daughter

Lord, I thank you for mychildren and for the blessing of being a mother. Today, on Alyssa's fifth birthday, I take a special moment to thank you for the gift of Alyssa.

Thank you for her safe delivery, infancy and toddlerhood. Thank you for protecting her through her preschool years.

Thank you for drawing her to yourself and to me. Thank you for building strong and precious bonds between me and my daughter.

Lord, continue to build and strengthen Alyssa's relationship with You and with me.

Keep her safe and healthy. Surround her with godly friends and role models. Prepare her for the perfect godly husband and help her to recognize him when he appears.

Help to prepare her for the blessings and trials of motherhood and equip me to be her guide.

Amen.

Homeschool Mom Tips: Christmas Shopping Guide #1

I wanted to offer to you some of my Christmas favorites as well as Christmas deals that reflect the true meaning of the Christmas and Advent season. I view this time of year as a great time for our family to reflect on why we believe what we believe and to strengthen our faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is also a good time to re-connect as a family and slow down a bit.

It is so easy for me to get caught up in my everyday busyness that I forget that Jesus Christ became man and then died on the cross for me! This awesome fact should stay with me, in the forefront of my mind all day, every day, yet I get "busy".

Below are a few Christian-themed Christmas items that I recommend to keep us focused on what is most important this Christmas.

Also, see our Educational Gift Guide 2008

Updated November 28,2008:

Everyone is in the mood for bargains this Christmas season. Here are some of my top bargain category picks from CBD:
Top 100 Christmas Gift Bargains


Kid's Bargains 50% Off


Kid's Christmas Bargains


Teens 50% Off

Some book favorites for Christmas:
Cookbooks


Advent Devotionals


Family Christmas Books


Christmas Read-Alouds


What about gifts for the sometimes tough-to-buy-for tween set:
Tween Gifts


Preparing For Christmas

Let's start decorating and getting our hearts and homes ready for Christmas! I have chosen some of my favorites from the bestselling items in the Christian Book Distributor's catalog. There are so many that I will feature a few more in subsequent posts. And Homeschool Mom Tips downloadable, printable, interactive Christmas gifts guide will be coming soon!

Enjoy!


Mary, Did You Know? Book and CD has gotten rave reviews on CBD. This set will help you to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. At just $4.99, it will also make a wonderful, inspirational gift.

Thomas Kinkade Christmas
My very favorite artist and the world's most collected artist is Thomas Kinkade. Kinkade uses his art to celebrate the message of Christmas and I appreciate him all the more for that. From Christmas cards to Christmas ornaments and tabletop Christmas trees, Kinkade's work is always bestselling at CBD around Christmas time.


A Christmas Star, Cape Light Series #9 is the latest in Kinkade's very popular Cape Light Series. Take a few moments to refresh yourself with inspirational fiction in the midst of what can be a very busy season.


Painter of Light Christmas Card Collection contains 4 boxes of Christmas Cards that will be a joy to send. Get started gathering addresses, buying pretty stamps and making your Christmas card list soon!


Joy To The World Ornament is the most popular Thomas Kinkade ornament so far this year. Make this ornament a special heirloom to add to your tree each year.


Nativity Lighted Tabletop Tree A combination Nativity Scene and Christmas tree, this beautiful combination is perfect for decorating a small spaces and helping your family remember the true meaning of Christmas.


Isaiah 9:6 Garden Flag Remind all who visit or see your home of the truth of the Christmas season with this lovely weather-resistant flag.


Thomas Kinkade: Best of Christmas, Collector's Tin CD/DVD Set Both a good gift as well as a nice family tradition, this classic tin is illustrated with a Victorian scene and the enclosed CD features classic Christmas songs by your favorite traditional artists. Also includes a set of postcards featuring Kinkade's work.


Angel of Joy Porcelain Figurine I love decorating at Christmas time and it seems I can never have too many beautiful little figurines for decorating small places, sometimes in an unexpected way like on the top of the bookshelf. I think you will like this one.

Christmas Music
Christmas music is crucial in our house. We bake cookies, clean up, address Christmas cards and more to the tunes of our Christmas favorites. Remember, you can listen to samples online and even download the songs immediately by clicking on the links below.
Here is a sampling of my picks of the bestselling Christmas music online today:
Peace On Earth CD
is the latest by popular contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns. We do not have this one yet but it is sure to be a hit.
Noel , a CD by Josh Groban features both traditional and more modern songs which partner him with others such as Faith Hill.
Christmas Reflections, a 3 CD Set By Eric Wyse, features wonderful instrumental arrangements of all your favorite Christmas music.
Christmas, Gaither Vocal Band Style CD
is a must-have for all you Gaither fans! The harmonies of the Gaither's are so rich and smooth and perfect for the Christmas season.
Michael W. Smith's 2008 Dove Award Winner Christmas Album of the Year is
It's A Wonderful Christmas. Buy your copy today!
A Candle Light Christmas
The latest Christmas CD By Mannheim Steamroller features contemporary instrumental arrangements for quiet times.

DVDs
DVD-watching is a fun treat for us around the holidays as we do not have cable and do not regularly watch television.
Facing the Giants DVD is one of our family's all-time favorite DVDs. I have to say parts of it are so touching they make me cry (I do not want to give away too much if you have not yet seen it!) It is very inspirational and encourages the viewer to stand strong for Jesus Christ even in difficult times. The whole family enjoys this one and I am looking forward to watching it again during the Christmas season.

Check out these top-selling Christmas DVDs:
The Christmas Shoes DVD

The Christmas Blessing, DVD

The Christmas Card, DVD

My children love to see their favorite Bible stories acted out on DVD. It is amazing how many details about Bible stories and Bible characters they retain by watching them on the screen.
Awesome Bible Adventures: 5-DVD Set is not only a best-seller but it is also a great deal at just $9.99.

A new Christmas book for you:
White Christmas Pie By Wanda E. Brunstetter


A new Christmas book for the kids:
God Gave Us Christmas 


That's all for now. Have fun shopping!

A Nice Sunday

We had a nice, quiet day today despite the gray, cloudy, windy and snowy weather (is that enough adjectives for you?)

We atarted the day with a very thought-provoking sermon at church. We were exhorted to pray for our leaders, whether or not we voted for them. We were reminded that a significant part of the Christian life may involve suffering, something that not many American Christians want to even think about. Our pastor continued his exposition of 1 Peter as we read through Chapter 3.

I am blessed to be led by such a godly and very humble pastor.

We had a nice lunch, I let the kids watch a video and now we are all going to settle in for bedtime stories.

Time for a new week!