Category Archives: Homeschool

Where in the World is Uncle Robert? – Newfoundland

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Mark 16:15 “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

I have a younger brother named, Robert Martin. He began preaching at the age of fourteen! At that same time he gained a passionate addiction to missions and has spent time overseas every year since. He has been to Israel, Canada, England, Dominican Republic, Africa, Peru, and Vanuatu, to just name a few.

I wish I would have thought of this a long time ago when my brother started traveling as an evangelist, the girls and I would be experts in world geography.

This week he is in Springdale, Newfoundland, which is in Canada, so we are diving in to find out all about Newfoundland.

Springdale is a town in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, which had a population of 2,764 in the Canada 2006 Census. The community is located on the North-Western shores of Hall’s Bay, in Central Newfoundland, near the mouth of Indian River. Wikipedia

Newfoundland’s capital is St. John’s. In Springdale, it’s a rainy 42 degrees today. Even though it’s not that cold here in Orlando, FL, we are sharing in the rainy part. Their provincial bird is the Atlantic Puffin, their provincial flower is the Pitcher Plant.

I did a Google search for Newfoundland color sheets and found a great one on the Crayola website.

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After learning a little about the province of Newfoundland, we took some time to pray for Uncle Robert and the people of Springdale. My hope is by researching the places Evangelist Robert Martin has traveled or is traveling to, will give the girls a heart for these different nations and an appreciation for the missionaries serving around the world. Who knows maybe one of them will have the call on their life one day, to bring the message to all the nations.

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

 

Is Homeschooling For Me?

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DSC_0753“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:5-9

I have many women from all aspects of my life reach out to me in the past three years since I’ve been homeschooling. They’ve all had the same questions…The main one being, “How Do You Do It?”

When I began my homeschool journey, I felt alone. I asked and asked people around me but everyone always seemed to say, “it will just work out…don’t worry about it.” Well, that doesn’t work for me. I need to know details, I need to know what I’m getting myself into. With that said, here are a couple of things I would like to share with mothers and fathers thinking about homeschooling their children.

First, you need full support from your spouse. As a couple you need to have the same family goals. Mark 3:25 “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

Second, you must be committed. When you make a commitment, you are making a pledge to not give up. Through stress, frustration, and rough times, you are dedicated to the decision you have made.

Third, know that it is normal to have days you will want to scream into your pillow, cry and kick like a three year old, and run around your house like a crazy person. On those days, stop what you are doing and take the kids outside to the park or the pool. It’s important to take the temperature of your “classroom”. If you’re, frustrated just think how your kids might feel.

Fourth, by making this decision to homeschool, you are making a sacrifice. You most likely will live off of one income, the house won’t always be clean, and you won’t be able to chase after a career (not a big deal to me at all, but to some it is a huge sacrifice).

Fifth, homeschooling is the best reward and achievement you could EVER have in this lifetime. To be able to teach your kids how to read and write then watch their world come to life in front of them, is amazing. To daily sit beside them and solve riddles, problems, and equations, to cuddle up with them during reading time on the couch, ahhhh…there is no greater reward!

If you can read these five things and feel confident in knowing God has placed this on your heart and you can make a commitment to not give up in this calling, then, Welcome to Homeschooling.  Feel free to write me any time…I will also take screams and tears 🙂

 

Hands-On

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Field Trip Day! The hubby was off and the weather was beautiful. I had bought a Groupon a while back for Green Meadows Farm (www.greenmeadowsfarm.com) so, we took advantage of it weather and off we went.

To me, there is no greater way to learn than hands on. There is a powerful connection that takes place when you holding something…you learn about it. It is no longer a picture in your head or words from a teacher (parent), but the idea, the lesson, the thought becomes alive right before you. Hands-on activities encourage a lifelong love of learning and motivates students to explore and discover new things

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Scheduling one field trip a month or every other month will restore focus and spark engagement in our children’s learning. You won’t regret taking breaks from the “classroom” and jumping into the world that was created for us to explore and play in.

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Psalm 104:10-14 “He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth.” (NIV)

Psalm 104: 24-25 “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-living things both large and small.” (NIV)

A New Creation

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Having daily devotions with our kids should be a priority, but I have noticed, if our day does not start with the word, we most likely will not fit it in any other time. Yes, this is sad, but true. Our day can get crazy with school, baby distractions, toddler distractions, house chores and so on.

Today our devotion was about “…everything is made new!” We talked about a butterfly and the changes that take place in a cocoon. While the butterfly is in its cocoon, there are changes taking place, when it breaks free, it is a new creature.

I think of a cocoon being a place where we seek God, where we take time to pray and listen to his voice. During this time there is a change taking place and when we arise we are new.

I explained to the kids there are times when we don’t want to share, when we lose our temper and we make bad choices, but in those times if we are quick to kneel before God, he makes us new again. We don’t have to live in guilt or condemnation, but walk in the assurance that we know Jesus.  He gives us a new morning everyday, when we seek his face (in a our own personal cocoon) we will emerge into a beautiful butterfly ready to fly!

Activity: Have the kids draw and color a new butterfly after emerging from a cocoon. Then write the scripture 2 Corn. 5:17 to remind them they are a new creature in Christ, the old has passed away.

Sight Word BINGO!

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Going over sight words day after day can be tedious. Today we are putting away the flash cards and bringing out BINGO! 

You can make a chart using Microsoft word or just search Google for a chart that is already made up. From there, just use the easy Bingo rules: Call out a word and if the child has it they cover it up. We are using Cheerios today to cover up our sight words. Feel free to use any fun snack that you can munch on while you play (food always makes things more enjoyable). The winner gets to call out the sight words for the next game.

Adding variety to your lesson plan can challenge, excite, and engage your child’s hunger for learning. 

Have Fun!

Break It Up!

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Chalk-a-DoodleWe are halfway through our school year so, things are getting a little old, kids are starting to complain and the teacher’s patience are running thin…it’s time to TAKE A BREAK! We live in the Sunshine State (Florida) and right now it is BEAUTIFUL outside! After learning some new things inside, we took our Chalk-a-Doodle place-mats and went outside for our review. It brings learning to a different level. New scenery, fresh air and vitamin D from the sun, it’s a win, win! So, the next time everyone is ready to quit school, take it outside and shine some light on the love of learning! 

At Last We Can Be Happy

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The Magic Fish

Today Alayna chose to read, “The Magic Fish by Freya Littledale”, for family reading time. If you haven’t read this book with your kids, I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great lesson about contentment.

In the book, the wife keeps asking for more and each time, when she gets what she wants, her husband says, “at last we can be happy.” Her reply back is always, “we shall see.”

Teaching contentment is a priority in our family. When we spend time with family or friends and it’s time to leave, our children will sometimes complain about leaving. I quickly remind them to be thankful, grateful  and content for the time we had with our loved ones. When birthday or Christmas time comes, again I remind them to be content with their gifts and toys. A life of always wanting can lead to bitterness and resentment. They are young and still have to be reminded at times to be content, but if we can learn at an early age what this word means and let it take root in our heart, our life will be so much more enjoyable.

Prayer: Thank you God for supplying every need and even our desires. Thank you for a roof over our head, food on our table, and clothes on our back. But most of all thank you for giving your only son to die on the cross for our sins. For that we should be content in all things. We are blessed and I pray that we all see beyond our selfish wants and at last can say, WE ARE HAPPY!

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

The Armor of God- Shield of Faith and Shoes, which brings the Gospel of Peace

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Shield of Faith

This week we are working on the Armor of God for the girls JBQ (Junior Bible Quizzing) questions. 

This afternoon we are talking about the Shield of Faith and Shoes that our worn on our feet, which brings the Gospel of Peace.

Questions: 

What protects the Roman solider from arrows and blows from a sword? A Shield! 

The shield protected the Roman solider from the enemies weapons. Our spiritual enemies are constantly throwing arrows and thrusting swords towards us. The best way to deflect these blows is with the shield of faith. When we hold on to our shield, when we hold firm to our faith in Jesus, we can go forth boldly.

Activity:

I had the girls make paper balls. Then they took turns throwing them at each other. Of course they were hit with the balls because they were vulnerable, with nothing to protect themselves. Then I had them hold up their shields, nothing could get to them as long as their shield was in place! 

What purpose do shoes serve?  Protection, Freedom, Readiness

Imagine a fully armed soldier. He has his sword, his shield, his helmet, his breastplate and his belt…but his feet are completely bare. The picture probably seems strange, and it should! Just by thinking about it, we can tell something is missing. Without shoes the solider has to worry about where his is stepping or running and this is the last thing that should be on his mind in a battle!

Fun Fact: The shoes of Roman soldiers were made of bronze or brass and included a part to cover the shins. The bottoms of the shoes were covered with spikes so they would help the soldier stand firm-or those sharp spikes could be used as weapons.

What does Readiness mean? “Readiness” is “the state or quality of being ready; preparation; promptness; aptitude; willingness”.

What does the gospel of peace have to do with shoes?

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

God’s Church is sent to preach the good news, which will spread His way of peace around the whole world. By having our shoes on, we are ready to move!

Remember each piece of God’s armor is important. Make sure to wear your armor everyday all day and the schemes of Satan will not prevail. 

The Full Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

 

The Armor of God-Belt of Truth & The Sword of the Spirit

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Belt & Sword

This week we are working on the Armor of God for the girls JBQ (Junior Bible Quizzing) questions. 

Sorry we missed yesterday. Life happens and I had a little one with strep throat but today we are back to it.

This afternoon we are talking about the Belt of Truth and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  In Ephesians 6:14, it tells us to “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” and Ephesians 6:17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Questions: 

What piece of armor holds a very crucial weapon for the Roman solider? A Belt! If the solider didn’t have his belt on, he most likely didn’t have his sword with him. 

Buckling truth around you everyday means not conforming to this world, like Romans 12:2 states. It means having your sword with you, which is the word of God. The Bible is God’s Holy Word.  Everything that is written in that book is true. There are no lies in the Bible. By having these two pieces of armor, you are able to stand firm against Satan and his lies.

What could be some lies that Satan wants us to believe?

It’s alright to lie, cheat, steal, hurt someone, be selfish, be mean to others, not obey and respect our parents.

What helps us to know what is true and what are lies? The word of God!

A sword is sharp and strong.  That’s exactly why God’s word is called a sword, because it is strong to defeat the lies of Satan and it is sharp enough to teach our hearts what we need to learn.

“God’s words give us strength, they help us to make good decisions, they help us get closer to God, and they help us know how to treat others.  They can encourage us and even be like food to us because they give us strength.”

Belt Craft:

Again we are using construction paper. (Construction paper is cheap and you can do anything with it 🙂 )I had the kids pick out the color they wanted their belt to be and then fold the construction paper into columns,  next they cut down the folded crease. We then stapled the strips together around their waist. We also printed out a letter T and colored it, to remind us what the belt stands for. 

Sword Craft:

Right after construction paper, cardboard is my next item I like to use for crafts (Simple is better for the ages I’m working with).

For our swords I used a diaper box. I traced out a sword then cut it out with a box cutter. We wrote the words, Word of God, then had the kids color them (my girls love to color). 

I hope you join us tomorrow as we work on the Shield of Faith and Readiness that comes from the gospel of peace worn on our feet.  

The Armor of God-Breastplate of Righteousness

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Breastplate

This week we are working on the Armor of God for the girls JBQ (Junior Bible Quizzing) questions. 

Today we talked about the Breastplate of Righteousness .  In Ephesians 6:14, it tells us to “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…”

Questions: 

What piece of armor protects your vital organs in a battle? A Breastplate! It keeps from arrows or even swords puncturing our heart and lungs.  

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 11:4

Without righteousness, we leave ourselves open to death. With righteousness, just as with a breastplate, the enemy is stopped from his fatal attacks.

What is righteousness?

“Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:34

To be righteous is to do what is right in God’s eyes. God’s commandments are righteousness, sin is the opposite of righteousness. So to be righteous is to obey God’s laws of love.

“..and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Philippians 3:9

Craft:

Take a big piece of cardboard and draw the outline of a Roman solider’s armor.

Then have the kids cut it out.

I was going to put just a cross on it but the girls had their own ideas. So, add your own personal touch. 

While the kids are drawing and coloring on their armor,  you can talk about righteousness and what it means. 

I hope you join us tomorrow as we work on the Belt of Truth.