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~ February 2017 ~
Dear Readers,
Happy February! Did you know that February is a popular month for homeschool birthdays? Besides George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the following famous homeschoolers were born in February: Ansel Adams, Thomas Edison, Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, Charles Dickens, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. (Laura was taught at home when she was unable to attend school due to distance or weather, and she homeschooled her daughter Rose!)
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. It's also Black History Month, an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the contributions that the African-American community has made to culture and history, especially in the United States. Famous black homeschoolers include: Benjamin Banneker (first African-American scientist), George Washington Carver (agricultural researcher), Booker T. Washington (Tuskegee Institute founder), Louis Armstrong (King of Jazz), Jordin Sparks (singer/actress), Venus and Serena Williams (tennis star sisters).
Of course we can't forget Valentine's Day and Presidents Day! There are a couple of other special events coming up this month, too, as you will see below.
Featured Article
Throughout most of history, Genesis was considered an accurate and reliable record, but over the past 250 years, it has become one of the most controversial books of all time. Events highlighted—including the Creation of the universe in six days, the existence of the real Adam and Eve, and a global Flood destroying the world—are now questioned by many… including some Christians. Where can reliable, well-researched answers be found?
A new documentary provides a fascinating look at the biblical, historical, and scientific evidence for Creation and a Flood. This powerful and compelling film was produced by homeschool dad Thomas Purifoy, Jr. It features a dozen scientists and scholars – all of whom have Ph.D.’s in their respective fields – as they explain the world around us in light of Genesis.
This movie, with its logical scientific arguments and gorgeous cinematography, will pique the curiosity and interest of students age 12 and up. A one-night special event in theaters on Thursday, February 23, it’s the perfect field trip for families, homeschool groups, Christian school classes, and church groups. Learn more at HomeschoolingTeen.com.
Book of the Month
George Washington is fondly called "The Father of his Country." As President of the Constitutional Convention, Washington was the first signer of the U.S. Constitution. The Citizens Rule Book contains the complete text of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. This booklet is a practical reminder of the values upon which our country was founded. Order some for your Presidents Day celebrations. Only $1.00 each!
Over two hundred years after his birth, Abraham Lincoln is still considered one of the most influential Americans of all time. More books have been written about him than any other president.
If you like Abe Lincoln, you will love Abraham Lincoln: The Boy, The Man. This 160-page pictorial biography is perfect for homeschoolers, and it comes in a bilingual English/Spanish edition! Limited quantities.
E-Book of the Month
George Washington's 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior Download this 17-page e-book for FREE! Includes Washington's original rules as well as selected examples for copywork and memorization, plus a writing activity.
Famous Homeschoolers
Kit Carson, John Wesley Powell, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Frank Lloyd Wright, Sharlot Hall, Henry Fountain Ashurst, Ansel Adams, Sandra Day O'Connor, Pat McMahon. Some grew up in Arizona, others moved there later in life, and a few were just passing through. They all left their mark on the state. Each of them was homeschooled or self- educated! [Read the full article at Arizona Edventures.]
Did You Know...?
Arizona celebrates its Statehood Day on February 14. The 48th state was admitted to the union in 1912.
Reading Between the Lines
A wonderful new anime from Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli is now streaming on Amazon with 26 episodes. This is the first television series to be produced by Studio Ghibli, famous for films such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and My Neighbor Totoro. It was directed by Goro Miyazaki, the son of legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki.
Ronja The Robber’s Daughter is based on a children's book by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Its themes focus on the love of nature and family, and appreciating the simple joys in life. Despite being about a clan of Viking-style bandits, it's full of traditional family values including a doting dad and a mom who runs the household. Miyazaki wasn’t even afraid to show her nursing the baby!
If you like author Astrid Lingren, Japanese anime, beautiful Scandinavian scenery, wildlife, medieval castles, pro-life/ traditional family values, stopping to smell the flowers, walking in the woods, nature as a playground, running around barefoot, strong female characters, or the idea of free range children, you will enjoy this series. :)
Read a longer review at HomeschoolingTeen.com.
Learning Links
George Washington's Farewell Address
Since 1862, there has been a tradition in the United States Senate that George Washington's Farewell Address be read on his birthday, February 22.
Freebie(s) of the Month
Give your friends, colleagues, and neighbors a Valentine greeting that lets them know how much God loves them! I've created a Valentine gospel tract for you to download. It's actually two pages that you can print double-sided and fold over, so the recipient can open it up and read the message inside. The main text also works as a stand-alone Valentine handout if you'd rather just print that page only. Make as many copies as you wish!
Valentine Gospel Tract - inside page
Valentine Gospel Tract - outside cover
Remember when you were a kid and your classmates exchanged Valentines? Living Waters has created a new Downloadable Valentine that can be easily understood by children. Simply print the pages back to back on card stock, then cut. You will have six Valentines per page with five different candy heart messages.
Valentine Cutouts - Write your own messages on these Bear Heart Notes.
Washington Word Find - My favorite kind of word game! (I found 60; can you beat me?)
Presidents Day Quiz - Lincoln and Washington Trivia.
(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)
Quote of the Month
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” ~1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
A Note From Teri...
It's almost time for The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)! The 2017 GBBC will take place on February 17-20. The GBBC is an annual 4-day event that engages bird lovers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are. It’s free, fun, and easy! Everyone is welcome to participate - from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. Scientists use the observations from the GBBC to help get the “big picture” about bird populations. Learn about birds and bird watching, find birding activities for kids, and get more information about the GBBC at www.birdcount.org.
Happy Homeschooling!
P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?