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~ July 2010 ~
Dear Readers,
Happy Summer! Whether or not you "officially" homeschool all year round, homeschoolers know that learning doesn’t stop just because summer is here. In fact, longer days mean more learning time. And when learning is fun, why would you want to stop?
Then of course there are the summer barbeques, picnics, beach parties, sandcastles, sailing, swimming, camping, family reunions, etc. Be sure to do something different to shake up your routine and make some fun memories this summer - even if it's just a trip to a local park or museum, a nature walk or a bike ride. Don't want to leave the comfort of your own home? Consider a backyard campout/barbeque/stargazing party. Too hot to go out? Stay indoors and play games, do puzzles, read books, have a family game night or movie marathon. Whatever you do, be sure to make the most of your summer time!
P.S. Traveling in the Southwest this summer? Be sure to visit www.ArizonaEdventures.com for fun and interesting places to see and things to do!
Featured Article
Have you always dreamed about visiting exotic regions of the world – or just driving around the country – and yet you don’t have the time or money to do so? If you’re an armchair traveler, the Internet is the place for you! Thanks to digital technology, you’re not limited to reading books and travel guides. As an online tourist, you can experience the next best thing to being there. Photo galleries provide detailed views of various places. Live web cams let you see a specific location in real time. Interactive imaging allows you to explore an area using a computer and mouse. You can spin around, look up and down, and zoom in as if you were standing right there! Some virtual reality tours have “hot spots” to click on that take you to other areas or rooms. A few virtual trips come complete with accompanying audio clips. All of these features allow you to travel to foreign lands without leaving the comfort of your own home. Take a peek at some of the following virtual journeys. Think of it as a vacation for the mind. I’ve tried to include something of interest to everyone, in both the U.S. and abroad. You can even fly to Mars if you want to. Explore, discover, have fun. Bon voyage! Click here to continue...
Book of the Month
In honor of Independence Day, purchase a copy of the Citizens Rule Book for only $1.00 and see for yourself why this pocket- sized booklet has sold 3 million copies! The legacy of my late father-in-law, he would be pleased to know how popular his little book has become. The Citizens Rule Book is endorsed by Richard “Little Bear” Wheeler of Mantle Ministries, Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute, Dr. Lance Hurley of Founding Fathers Ministry, and many others! Contents include: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and a Jury Handbook.
Famous Homeschoolers
Abigail “Abby” Sunderland is a homeschool teen who believes in the motto “Do Hard Things.” At age 16 she attempted to follow in her brother’s footsteps and become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Unfortunately, Abby's boat was dismasted in stormy seas, forcing her to abandon the circumnavigation. Nevertheless, when Abby rounded Cape Horn – the southernmost point of South America – she was the youngest solo sailor ever to have done so. Read all about her adventure here. (Each month I will highlight another famous homeschooler.)
Reading Between the Lines
In this 2003 Newbery Honor book, a juvenile delinquent named Jake Semple (with red spiked hair, piercings, and a bad smoking habit) is sent to stay with the Applewhites, a homeschool family living at Wit’s End in rural North Carolina. The Applewhites call their school-at-home the Creative Academy. A banner on the wall states: “education is an adventurous quest for the meaning of life, involving an ability to think things through.” Their learning style is more like unschooling, though, and the family is rather eccentric. The mother is an author in the middle of writing a book. The father is a play director and scriptwriter. The grandfather is a craftsman. Hal, the 15-year-old brother, stays in his room all day sculpting and painting. Cordellia writes and choreographs her own dances. Destiny, the youngest at age 5, is talkative and messy, with paint in his hair. E.D. likes to study and collect butterflies, and she’s so organized that she already has her curriculum planned out for the entire year. However, E.D. is the only Applewhite who isn’t artistic so she feels kind of left out. Nevertheless, E.D. eventually realizes that everyone in the family – including herself – is special in their own way. The characters may seem self-centered, but they all pull together as a family to put on a play, “The Sound of Music.” Jake also undergoes a major transformation and discovers his real talent. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy reading about this creative family and their crazy life, and homeschoolers especially will enjoy reading about other kids their age who share their schooling situation. The 216-page novel even includes discussion questions and activities, so it’s perfect for a summer book club!
Learning Links
The Birth of America (Fun facts about the American Revolution.)
Gettysburg (The Battle of Gettysburg was fought on July 1, 1863.)
Ice Cream (July is National Ice Cream Month - yum!)
Family Travel Tips (How to make family travel more enjoyable for kids and parents alike.)
Freebie of the Month
Declaration of Independence
How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Convention
(Download a FREE copy of the Declaration of Independence. Read it with your family as part of your Independence Day celebration.)
(This 14-page special report includes a handy checklist!)
(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)
Quote of the Month
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.” ~Ronald Reagan
A Note From Teri...
Wishing you and your family a Happy July Fourth! As part of your Independence Day festivities, be sure to take a moment to reflect over where we are as a nation and what we can do as individuals to stand for life and liberty. Pray for those brave soldiers throughout the world who are willing to fight to defend our freedoms. Pray for God to appoint wise and godly leaders for our country in this critical election year. Pray for repentance to begin with each one of us this Fourth of July! “If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” ~II Chronicles 7:14
Happy Homeschooling!