Pearson Homeschool
                      The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
-
                   The Homeschool Minute
                  Summer Fun!
July 17, 2013
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine offers you extensive free homeschool resources . . . including: our digital magazine, various homeschool downloads, online expos, online support, and much more. You'll want to stay subscribed to this newsletter so you can receive updates on the latest TOS news and special offers from TOS and your favorite companies.
Mercy Every Minute   

The Wuehler Family

We have talked a lot about kids learning through the summer. So I thought I'd give you, the teacher, something to think about. Summer is an opportunity to step back and look at your homeschooling with a fresh perspective.  

 

Repent and Return

Did you forget that it is your obedience and not your ability that God rewards? Now is the time to repent for your lack of desire to be obedient, your lack of courage to continue, or your lack of vision for what is eternally important, and return to the assignment God has given you in training up His children for His glory.  

 

Review and Reevaluate

What areas were problem areas before the summer? How can I resolve those problems before we start again? What are the gifts the Lord has given each child and how can we help them use that gift? What did I want to teach last year that I didn't get to teach? What kind of schedule would help me follow through? Take these next few weeks to assess and get organized for starting again. Don't lose heart; you were made for this!  

 

Resolution and Courage

We all get tired. But we all need to put weary feelings aside and really be intentional about keeping our resolve to homeschool. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines the word "resolution" like this:   

  

RESOLUTION: . . . Fixed purpose or determination of mind; as a resolution to reform our lives; a resolution to undertake an expedition. The effect of fixed purpose; firmness, steadiness or constancy in execution, implying courage. (1828.mshaffer.com)

 

We also need new courage. Courage to remain fixed in purpose, determined in our minds, and resolute to follow through in execution. Let's look at the definition for courage as well:

 

COURAGE: . . . Bravery . . . that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude; but fortitude implies patience to bear continued suffering. (1828.mshaffer.com)

  

Homeschooling often requires courage to stand against our own minds that tell us we are failing; courage to fight against "depression of spirits" and courage to bear through difficulties to the end. The only way to find this kind of courage is to dig ourselves out of our own thinking and become buried deep in the Word of God. There are over 100 verses in the Bible about courage. Here are just two:

  

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24

 

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Let's resolve to take courage as we joyfully plan the year ahead,

 

~Deborah

 

PS. Do you have the jitters because your child is starting high school this next year? Email me at  [email protected] and I will send you a free E-Book on homeschooling high school. Do you know someone who is ready to quit homeschooling? Have them read: "I'm Done With Homeschooling! When You're Ready to Send the Kids Away"

Advertisement

Free samples! Active fun in the summer sun is important for young children's physical, cognitive and social development. The book/DVD set Active Play! Fun Physical Activities for Young Children has 52 enjoyable, developmentally appropriate physical activities to play with your children and neighbors! Get free sample physical activities at: www.activeplaybooks.com
  
The Familyman 
 

Finally, it's hot and sunny here in northern Indiana . . . praise the Lord for air-conditioning.

 

I don't mean to be hard on the good people of The Homeschool Minute™, but I'm getting a little tired of talking about learning in the summer. So I'm going off trail (again). I guess if you squint your eyes and stretch your imagination, my thoughts on summer boredom kind of look like the topic . . . a little.

 

Actually, I was talking today with my wife at lunch when she said to me, "I don't know what to do with the kids; they seem bored out of their skulls."

 

I was almost ready for the comment, because I was thinking the same thing as I saw them roam around the house. I know I should have said something understanding like, "You're right; maybe we can brainstorm about things they could do," but I didn't. Instead, I jumped right up on the table and said, "That's okay; just let them figure it out."

 

I've thought about this quite a bit and stand amazed at the idea that moms feel they should provide constructive things for their kids to do so they won't be bored. I'm telling you mom, that's a losing battle and one that never ends.

 

"Thanks, Mom for the great idea about the Play-doh, but now I'm done . . . and I'm bored."

 

My theory is that you let your kids get so bored that they finally do something until they're not bored. I know I did as a kid. I slinked around the house until I decided I needed to build a tree house, play with GI Joes, or was assigned a chore from my dad (never underestimate the power of summer chores).

 

My advice on the summer boredom dilemma is to let your children be bored and figure it out for themselves . . . or give them chores. Now go and enjoy doing whatever it is you enjoy doing.

 

Good day, don't think about school, and be real,

Todd

 

SchoolhouseTeachers.com


Friends, family, and memories--SchoolhouseTeachers.com has you covered. Two of our new fall classes will help you make and share memories!

 

Debuting August 1, Marci Hanks' course on How to Write and Produce a Play will guide you through the steps from idea to production. Whether you want to produce a living room play for the family or bring the community together in a performance, Marci will help you break your idea into manageable steps and make special memories along the way.

 

Video Making  

 

To find new ways of sharing those memories, join Evonne Mandella's Experience Videomaking class debuting September 3rd. She'll show you how to use free online videomaking sites to create personalized ways to share memories, create gifts, use videos in outreach, and much more.

 

Join today : your first month is just $3. After that, $12.95 a month serves your entire family. Or save 10% by purchasing a yearly membership: just $139.

 

Advertisement

Looking for ideas for back to school or educational apps? Check out the latest directories in the July issue of TOS magazine. Find additional homeschool resources in the TOS 2013 Print Annual Book directories for freebies, toys, online learning, homeschool businesses, special needs, and more!

Raising Real Men   
 
Hal and Melanie Young

"Mama, can I kayak to the end of the cove?"

 

My heart sank. I'd been through this four times before with each of his older brothers, but it didn't help. To go to the end of the cove meant he'd be out of sight. If he had trouble, we wouldn't be there to help. I would just as soon he didn't, but one of the most important parts of raising boys is learning to let them stand on their own, learning to let go.

 

Summer is a great time to start letting them take those baby steps on the way to independence. It's too bad the world has changed so much that the joyous freedom we had to explore all over this end of the county really isn't possible anymore. Nowadays, we have to look for opportunities for our children to stretch themselves, to try out new skills, to enjoy liberty. Sometimes, a boy just needs, like Pooh, to go on "an expotition."

 

"Okay. You know you have to wear a life jacket--and don't dawdle." It only takes about twenty minutes to paddle down there and back, but twenty minutes can seem like a very long time to a parent. Really, there wasn't much to worry about. He was an excellent swimmer, wearing a good life vest. We drill the boys again and again here along the bank how to maneuver in the kayak, how to get out safely if it flips, and how to turn it back over and get back in. He'd even been to the end of the cove with his brothers.   

 

There's something special, though, about kayaking alone. We'd experienced it, too. You're right down there next to the water, slipping quickly and quietly along, listening to the birds, and seeing the fish jump right next to you. It's a joy and it was time to let this son have that pleasure.

 

Before long, we saw him zipping back down the lake with a huge smile on his face. He felt like a man, able to do something a little risky all by himself safely. That's important.

 

You might find those challenges for your son in building a tree house, or using power tools, or mowing by himself. Summer is a great time to look around for ways to help your boys start to be men--and that's some of the most profitable summer learning they can do!

 

Have a great summer,

Hal & Melanie

 

PS. Nine to twelve years old is a pretty challenging time with boys. That's why one of the most popular things we do is our Boot Camp 9-12: Getting Geared Up for the Teen Years webinar series. It's interactive, practical, and so much fun! Click here to register for our next session starting in August!

 

Advertisement

Order your ticket today! You don't want to miss this week long EXPO EVENT . . .

Expo

 

 
 

August 19-23, 2013

1:00pm-8:00pm (Eastern) / 10:00am-5:00pm (Pacific)

 

Special Guest Speakers:
Dean Butler, Almonzo from Little House on the Prairie
Todd Wilson, The Familyman
Jessica Hulcy, KONOS
Diana Waring, History ALIVE!
Jay Wile, Author & Speaker
Hal & Melanie Young, Raising Real Men
Kim Kautzer, WriteShop
Antony Kolenc, Author, Speaker & Lawyer
Any many more!

Don't miss out on this week-long
Schoolhouse Expo Event.
 Buy your ticket HERE!

  

Announcement
     
Looking for a way to cool off in the heat of summertime?
Pull out your laptop and get busy typing the inspirations that come to mind as you think happy thoughts about . . . Christmas!

Yup, Christmas is only a few months away, and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is eager to publish your inspiring, educational, and FUN articles, recipes, family traditions, and unit studies related to the upcoming holiday season, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What are your favorite family traditions? How does your family delve into learning about where Bethlehem is, why Joseph and Mary had to travel there, and what happened on the night when our Savior was born? What new recipes will you try for the first time during the holiday season? Could you share with our readers your secrets about buying (or making) the very best gifts for your family--and staying within the budget? What are your favorite holiday songs, and why? How do you celebrate Christmas where you live? How do you put Christmas ornaments on a . . . palm tree? How does your family honor Christ on Christmas morning?

We want to hear your ideas, ways to bless and delight the readers of our November/December 2013 issue with educational and "cool" ideas. Inspired? Then send your idea to Gena Suarez and help us celebrate in style!

Advertisement

 Be encouraged, enlightened, and 

educated with the all new 

2013 Annual Print Book
published by 

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

  


Just $15! 

(includes shipping in the U.S.)  

 

You'll get a year's worth of homeschool support in 

over 275 pages in this full color one-of-a-kind print
magazine for homeschoolers, by homeschoolers. 

 This is a magazine you'll refer to again and again.  

 

This is a BIG BOOK--HARD COPY  

that will be mailed to your physical  

home address or POB.

 

 Click here to learn more!

  

Announcement

Creating a Free Curriculum
Using the Public Library

Part 1: Language Arts

TOS Article

in the latest issue of

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.

  

Advertisement

Are you a new homeschooler and aren't sure how to begin or a long-time homeschool parent looking for new, fun resources? For only $25, gain access to a library of over 175 E-Books or audio books for homeschool support and encouragement from popular  homeschool publishers and TOS. Order now! 

Announcement
 
Creation Revolution

"Guillemots are swift fliers but are not nearly as agile in the air as many other birds are.  However, once they dive into the cold ocean water, they swim or fly with their wings and are quite maneuverable, much like penguins." 
 


Contest Corner 

For the month of July, 2013

 

 One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries  

You Solve With Science!

 

Science, Naturally! wants to "bridge the gap between the blackboard and the blacktop." As an independent press, they do this by publishing fun and interesting science and math resources that kids enjoy. They strive to make these topics "intriguing and accessible" to students of all ages.

 

The Crew had the opportunity to review their book, One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! ($9.95) It was written by the father-daughter team of Eric and Natalie Yoder, who have been featured guests on NPR. Their books have won multiple awards and accolades from the education and publishing communities.

 

Designed for kids 8-12, these fun brain teasers get kids thinking about science to solve these quick mystery stories. This is the second book in this series. They've also written a book of one-minute math mysteries, too. You can read a mystery sample here.

 

To read the Schoolhouse Review Crew reviews, click on the thumbnails on this page.

 

TO ENTER: Email Heather with your name, mailing address, and phone number for contact purposes, with the subject line, "One Minute Mysteries" for a chance to win* the book for your homeschool!

In this week's issue:

SchoolhouseTeachers.com

Read

Nobody's Normal

in the latest issue of

The Old Schoolhouse
 Magazine.



Read the magazine free at www.TOSMagazine.com 

or download the free mobile apps at


Writing Tales

Get a library of homeschool encouragement with  

over 175 E-Books or  

audio books for just $25. 

Click on the image below  

to order.  

 

Schoolhouse Library 


The Old Schoolhouse
 has MORE for you!

Check out these resources:

Who We Are:

"I enjoy reading the newsletter.  It is short enough for me to sit and read in one session (usually!) and is encouraging."
--Jennifer F.,
York, PA
 

"I look forward to THM every Wednesday. I really enjoy Deborah's articles. For some reason, it must be God, she always writes about what I am needing to hear. Her ability to put scripture and God in the middle of all her articles keeps me coming back. I recently have been enjoying the Youngs' [articles] because I have a young man (10) in my house. The encouragement of the Youngs is fabulous. I thank God for parents like them that pave the way for parents like myself and my husband."

--Racheal Fowler

 Glen Burnie, Maryland

"So love reading TOS on my iPad from cover to cover every month!!!" 
--Leigh Anne McGrady, Dunwoody, GA 
"I love the new TOS app! So convenient.  So quick. All the encouragement I need at my fingertips . . . any place at any time."     

--SpunkyHomeschool

"Thanks ever so much. I love the encouraging articles! I really loved the list of 25 all in one place. Nice to have this little bit of "free" encouragement in my mail. I don't have funds to subscribe or purchase frills and with also working more than half time I don't have time to search it out. May God bless you exceedingly."

--Teresa,  

rural Kansas

Have you been blessed by

The Homeschool Minute™?

 

Is there a particular columnist who brightens your Wednesdays? Is there a resource you find useful? Did you feel encouraged by this issue? We love hearing from you! 

 

 Please email Cheryl. Your testimonial could be featured in our next newsletter!   


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

TOS Aps

Copyright © 20XX. All Rights Reserved.