When I was growing up, church was not an option. Mom and Dad had been raised that the parents of the home were responsible for their children's religious training and they took that responsibility seriously! They not only taught us about Jesus, but were examples of Jesus.
Even before children, I pledged to be that kind of a parent. I also wanted to teach about and exemplify my Lord. But, as a homeschool parent, I wanted my teaching to be more than just family devotions. One of the reasons that we began to homeschool was to bring religious training back into the school environment. One of the ways we desired to do that was by teaching the Bible as a core subject.
It hasn't been easy. We have tried different curriculums and methods. Some we have liked, but the kids haven't. Some the kids have liked, but we didn't. We have continued to search for a curriculum that both we liked and the kids liked...until now. We have found one...Grapevine Studies!
Grapevine Studies touts itself as "a Bible study curriculum that engages the intellect while stimulating the imagination", and they are not mistaken. Dianna Wiebe, the author, calls her Bible Study Method, "Stick Figuring". Here's how it works. As you are teaching the lesson to your child, you are drawing simple stick figures on a dry erase board that go along with your lesson. No need to worry about your artistic ability, these figures are very basic and examples/instructions are included in the teacher's manuals. As you're reading the scripture and talking about the lesson, the children are also drawing on their study sheet. They can either copy the basic figures that you have drawn on the board, or make them more elaborate.
Joshua, our eight year old, worked on the Old Testament Overview. He was very basic in his drawing. He drew what was needed to complete the picture but, he was more interested in asking questions.
On the other hand, John Allen (13 yrs. old), who studied the New Testament Overview, was more content to listen and draw elaborate pictures. I was amazed, however, at what they each remembered at the end of the week, when we did a review. It seemed that this curriculum met both of their needs! Joshua's need was auditory and kinesthetic. He needed to keep his hands moving, and he needed answers to all of the questions that were spinning around in his head. John Allen is a very hands on person. He likes to do and think things through as he does them. This curriculum has it all, auditory, visual, kinesthetic - everything!
To add to the learning, they have verses and basic Bible facts (i.e. the 12 apostles or how many books in OT and NT) to memorize, and "Character/Event" cards (3x5) that are to be filled out and put in a file for later reference. More advanced students also learn how to use a Bible dictionary, concordance, and Topical Bible.
Not sure if you'll like it? Not a problem! Grapevine always has a free "eLesson" that you can download from their website. They also have over a dozen other eLessons that you can choose from for only $2.95.
Not ready to commit to a full years study? No problem either! Grapevine Studies also has smaller courses that hone in on just one or two Biblical characters or events. The TOS Crew blog has links to other crew members who reviewed Esther, The Birth of Christ, and Biblical Feasts and Holy Days.
Not sure of what you want? Still no problem! Dianna is one of the nicest people that you could ever work with. Look over what they have to offer, and then contact her with your ideas and she will work with you. We emailed back and forth several times before I finally decided on what to try with John Allen and Joshua. Please don't hesitate to contact her if you have any questions.
Not sure of the price? Their prices range form $6.95 (student book)/$8.95 teachers manual on up for the smaller studies to $15.95 or more for some of the year long courses. You can get them in either hard copies or ebooks for convenience - whichever you prefer. They even have a "scratch and dent" sale section on their website. But, Dianna has extended a special sale for those of you who might be reading this and want to order now! Until Sept. 15, you can use the coupon code CREWS to get a 30% discount on your entire order!
So, what are you waiting for? There is really no obstacle left. For those of you that homeschool - Bible should be one of your core subjects. For those of you who don't homeschool, remember what I have said. We all are home educators whether our children go to a public/private school, or are schooled at home. What is better to educate your child in than the Bible. Still not sure? Download their free eLesson for this month. There's nothing to lose. To check out their website, just click here or on any of the highlighted links above. Take a look today! I'm sure you won't be dissapointed.
Web Design For Kids (...And Curious Grown-Ups!) Mood: sharp Topic: Homeschool Product Review
Recently I read about a young 13 yr. old genius that began creating web-pages using HTML when he was only 12. He recently demonstrated his skills by making a page dedicated to his favorite candy using only ten lines of HTML! His page included a bright red, patterned background, pictures, a description of why he liked sour straws, and a humorous cartoon character with a puckered "sour straw" face.
I can't quite remember the name of this bright boy, but I think it was something like John Allen...Sprinkle or Finkle or maybe it was Stinkle or, I remember, it was Tinkel.
Hey! Wait a minute! That name sounds familiar. Why, I believe John Allen Tinkel is my son. But...my son is no genius. He's smart, but basically just a regular old 13 year old. How did he create a web page using HTML? A beautiful one at that, using only 10 lines of code? I know how! He watched the DVD - "Web Design For Kids (...and curious grown-ups!)"
"Web Design for Kids (...and curious grown-ups)" features Brian Richardson, a middle school computer teacher. In a very friendly, relaxed (and often funny) way, Brian "teaches" two young people how to develop their own web page using only ten lines of HTML. He encourages you to work along with the other "students". The video includes segments on:
Basic HTML Code
Adding Pictures
Coloring Letters and Backgrounds
Making Text Move Across the Screen
And a lot more
The DVD case says that the only thing needed is Notepad and Internet Explorer, but we used Mozilla Firefox without much difficulty. We did have one problem, however. The computers on the DVD use Windows XP. If your computer uses Windows Vista, as ours does, then you may find that some of the needed files aren't quite in the same place. However, it isn't hard to figure out what to do. According to their website, you can also use Mac computers, but they prefer you using Windows.
There are thick, confusing books about HTML on the market that can cost from $20 - $30 on up, but why buy a boring book when a fantastic DVD can teach you the same thing in a more entertaining way. Besides, those books are written for adults, not for kids. For a limited time, the Web Design for Kids website is selling their DVD for only $19.99 plus $3.99 shipping and handling. But, better yet, a portion of all proceeds from these DVD's goes to charity!
So, what are you waiting for? Click here or on any of the highlighted links to order your DVD today and you can be as smart as that 13 year old, John Allen Tinkel. He is smart isn't he? But, of course, why should I be surprised? I hear he comes from good genes !
When I first found out that I would get to review Hank the Cowdog, I was really excited, but when I found out that we would be receiving not one but three Hank items, I was ecstatic!
My introduction to these fantastic books was years ago when I was still substitute teaching in the local public schools. I had gone into the school library and found one of John Erickson's Hank books. The assistant librarian immediately began to sing the praises of this series. She encouraged me to get one of the books on tape to entertain the kids during a trip that we were about to take. I checked one out of the library and we were not disappointed!
Hank considers himself "head of ranch security" for the large ranch that he, Drover (his dog sidekick), Junior the buzzard and a host of other characters live. Hank and his friends get into all kinds of trouble and adventures that will leave you rolling with laughter. But, although they help, it isn't the cast of characters that make the audio books so fun to listen to. What is it you ask? I'll reveal that later!
Since I joined the TOS Homeschool Crew, we get, on average, about a package a week containing homeschool items to review. Whenever one arrives it is like Christmas, and everyone crowds around to see what is in the box. This was no exception. We tore open the package and on top was Hank's "Tornado" game.
The subtitle for Tornado is "The Wildest Race and Chase Game Ever" and they are right. Tornado is similar to Sorry or Aggravation but with a twist. Along with moving Hank, Drover and Junior around the board and trying to reach home without being landed on and sent back to start, you may end up on a tornado space, which could send you flying anywhere. Based on the book "The Case of the Swirling, Killer, Tornado", the game includes a tape with a 30 min. hilarious segment from the book. I was a little concerned that the sending back part would throw Joshua (our Asperger's child) into a tizzy, but I was pleasently surprised that he took it all in stride and both he and his older brother, John Allen, loved it. Little three year old, Jacob, even tried to play. Although he didn't understand the strategy or really what was going on, he loved to spin the spinner, and count how many spaces he was to move. It can also be played while you travel, so the kids even played in the car! The game board folds shut and all of the pieces are stored inside! It, along with the audio tape, can make for some fun and wacky family nights!
Since Joshua was in the midst of another reading project, I handed this short chapter book to John Allen. Now, let me tell you, John Allen has never complained about reading. I can assign him to read a book, and he will read it, usually without a problem. But, it takes a special book for him to want to pick it up to read on his own instead of playing one of his favored video games. This was one of those books! It's about an untamed stud horse who keeps escaping from the neighbors field and finding it's way onto the ranch. As head of ranch security, Hank, ends up saving the day, but not before some amusing events. You'll have to read the book to find out about the poison bacon, Sally May's "fundamental disagreement" with Hank, and what Hank is wearing when he confronts the wild horse.
Now, although the boys love the Tornado game, and John Allen loved "The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse", the family favorite has to be the treasure that we found at the bottom of the box...
...a CD titled "Tales and Tunes fron Hank the Cowdog"! This recording contains story excerpts from ten of the Hank books along with nine original songs. We brought this out to take with us on a recent trip to Grandma's house and were, once again, entertained by the selections. What makes the audio books so great you asked? John Erickson, the author, reads the books himself, but gives each one of the characters a hilariously funny voice. From, Pete the cat's "Paul Lynde" voice to Rip and Snort's (coyotes) untamed, uneducated voices, they are all very entertaining and fit the character to the T! Mr. Erickson even sings all of the songs in the character's voices. The excerpts include selections from such titles as "The Case of the Swirling, Killer Tornado" and "The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse". Some of the song's are "Drover's Tornado Safety Song"-
Turn me loose, turn me loose, I'm as silly as a goose - for barking at a thing that's bigger than a moose
and Rip and Snorts "We Don't Give a Hoot" -
We don't give a hoot - We don't ever wear a suit
Our personal favorite, however, has to be "I'm Trapped in Madagascar"
They left me here to rot and to be broiled by the sun, - But only if I'm lucky and the pirates do not come.
The kids continue to beg to play the Tornado game and to listen to the CD. John Allen has even asked for another Hank book to read. Hey, anything is better than him playing video games all day!
These books would be great for reluctant readers. Better yet, you could even have them read along while listening to the tape!
To find out more about these great products just press on any one of the highlighted titles above, or here, and you will go straight to the Hank Website. On their website, Hank's paperback books range from $4.24 (for older editions) to $5.24 (for Hank's newer adventures), the Tornado game is only $12.99 and the "Tales and Tunes" CD is just $3.00. You'll also find deals on Hank the Cowdog plush items, t-shirts and other Hank themed games. Have fun shopping, and happy reading.
John Allen's Excitement Mood: incredulous Topic: The Kids
I've talked a lot about Joshua and his problems with Asperger's Syndrome, but I haven't talked much about my oldest son, John Allen. When John Allen was 15 months old, he was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer called Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma (RB) is a childhood cancer that usually hits infants and toddlers between the ages of birth and 5 years old. The primary goal of physicians who work with RB children is, of course, to save the child's life, with the close secondary goal of preserving the eye. However, when John Allen's RB was diagnosed, the tumor was so large that his pediatric ophthalmologist suggested enucleation (removal of the eye). John Allen's left eye was enucleated November 7, 1997. A few months later, he was fitted for an artificial left eye.
One of the problems of having only one eye is depth perception. Thankfully, God made us so that some parts of our brain take over when other parts are damaged. So, although he will never be able to see like a person with two eyes, he does have some depth perception. Nevertheless, however hard your brain works, there are some things that can't happen without two eyes. Like seeing 3-D.
I know that John Allen has never seen anything remotely in 3-D. He goes to the 3-D shows at amusement parks and theaters, and faithfully puts on the special glasses, but they really don't do anything for him. He doesn't see things the way the others do. Nothing comes out of the screen. Nothing has any depth. It's just a fuzzy flat picture.
As a homeschooler, I am notorious for signing up for anything free that I can. Yahoo groups, newsletters, emails, you name it, if it's free and has anything to do with education, I probably am signed up for it. One of the email newsletters that I'm signed up for is a weekly science experiment written by Robert Krampf from www.thehappyscientist.com . In one of his last emails, he talked about...you guessed it...3-D. 3-D chalk to be exact. This prompted me to write to him about something I had been curious about for a long time. Can someone with only one eye see in 3-D? Here is his response:
Hi Tim,
Up until recently, I would have told you that you cannot see in 3D without two eyes, but I recently was sent a link to a photo (actually an animated GIF) that comes very close to being 3D, and it is easily seen with one eye. Go to: http://www.imgspark.com/image/view/bade/276697/
The image was made with a 3D camera, and the animated GIF switches back and forth between the two pictures. I plan to try making some of my own. Let me know if he sees this as 3D.
I hope it helps.
Have a wonder-filled day.
Rob Krampf
The link is to a picture taken by Jaime Martinez, the artist who developed this technique. I have since corresponded with Jaime and become Facebook friends (what else?) with him. Click here for more of his pictures including several excellent 3-D pictures. (Be cautious however. Although, the 3-D pictures are fantastic, some of his other work can be quite graphic. Make sure you peruse his site before allowing your young ones to view it.)
When I showed them to John Allen he became so excited! He could actually see depth! They actually seemed 3-D! In fact, when I shut my left eye, it seemed to me like I could see them better. Take a look yourself. Just press the play buttons on each picture. When we originally saw them, they were in a loop mode where they shook continuously. For some reason it's not allowing me to loop these, but I think that the four seconds that it lasts will be long enough for you to get the picture (no pun intended )! This is still in the experimental mode, but someday, John Allen may be able to see a real 3-D movie!
Thank you, Lord, for making us intelligent creatures. Thank you for giving men the intelligence to create things for our enjoyment. Thank you for people like Jaime Martinez who are creative enough to develop this method of seeing 3-D.
Get Ready for Some Reviews! Mood: energetic Topic: Homeschool Product Review
My space to the left is filling up, and you know what that means! It's time for some reviews! As a matter of fact, I have FIVE scheduled for the month of August. John Allen and Joshua started school a week earlier than the public school kids, but they have been working with some of the products for weeks now! And, boy did they have fun! I can't wait to tell you about them in the coming days. Before then, why don't you get introduced to some of the companies by clicking on their logos to the left. Have fun looking!
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)! This is still in the experimental mode, but someday, John Allen may be able to see a real 3-D movie!
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