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~ July 2015 ~
Dear Readers,
Do you have teens? Then Homeschooling Teen magazine is for you! The July issue of Homeschooling Teen is now online.
This month's featured homeschooling teen is world traveler Hannah Miller, a.k.a. "Edventure Girl." Do you know the difference between a Bible Institute, Bible College, Christian University, Divinity School, and Theological Seminary? Find out in this issue! Also, you will be amazed to learn that the history of distance education dates back to 1728! This month there are lots of articles with college and career advice. For example, if you enjoy writing, you may be interested in "Top 10 Career Tips for Beginning Writers." If you dread having to write essays, check out the 10 EdTech tools that make essay writing easier.
Olyvea and Ethan give their usual great advice; Narrelle wrote an article on what it's like to participate in Speech & Debate; and Sherah reports on the mystery of the missing artwork at Boston Public Library. Be sure to read Millie's article on "The Christian's 4th of July," Rachel's devotional on "Notes from Watching a Sunrise," and Hannah's poem on "Rainy Days." View Nick's list of top ten games that he can't wait to play. Read reviews of Special A, Passion and Purity, and All the Bright Places. Plus, see how to enter the Great Bible Race (to be held on July 31st) for a chance to be in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Read every issue FREE at HomeschoolingTeen.com.
Featured Article
Long days, hot weather, and vacation time all provide abundant opportunity for reading - but with so many books to choose from, you don't want to waste time on mediocre ones. How to Choose a Good Book offers general guidelines on what to look for.
Some books are written in such a way that they are ideally suited for reading aloud. Such books utilize words, sentences, and figurative language in creative ways to enhance the plot development, bring the characters to life, and create a mood. I've put together a list of Read-Aloud Favorites that adults can enjoy reading and no child should grow up without hearing.
For some cool reading fun geared around summer getaway themes, check out my Summer Reading List. (Many of these titles are also on the read-aloud list!) You can download a printable copy for your convenience. It’s annotated and organized by age/grade. Take it along with you the next time you visit the library. Happy Reading!
Book of the Month
If you haven't already, be sure to order some Citizens Rule Books for your family and friends. My late father-in-law, a World War II Marine Corps veteran and printer from Boston, printed and distributed this pocket-sized booklet to inform American citizens of their rights. Family-owned and operated Whitten Printers of Phoenix, Arizona, continues to print and distribute this booklet. The pocket-sized book includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, plus quotes by our Founding Fathers and information for jurors. Only $1 each!
Famous Homeschoolers
The largest battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere was fought near the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, over the course of three days from July 1 to July 3, 1863.
Robert E. Lee, commander-in-chief of the Confederate Army, had concentrated his army around Gettysburg upon the approach of Union General George Meade’s forces. Although his strategy at Gettysburg failed, ultimately resulting in the South's surrender, Lee remains one of the best-loved and respected men in American history. A devout Christian, he was admired not only by his own soldiers, but by northerners as well because of his fine character.
Lee grew up on a Virginia plantation where he was taught by his mother; Lee's own children were also educated at home. Read more at: www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_lee.html.
Reading Between the Lines
Gettysburg
Gettysburg actually features some of the most authentic Civil War battle scenes ever created, culminating with Pickett’s charge, the most courageous and heartbreaking infantry assault in military history. For the first time in 130 years, the actual site was allowed to be used as a movie set. In addition to an all-star cast, the movie featured over 13,000 volunteer Civil War re-enactors who came from all over the world, paid their own way, provided their own uniforms and props, and recreated the battles in front of the cameras. While filming during the summer, the re-enactors also experienced the same conditions as their predecessors. For example, the original soldiers had just marched for miles and had no water when they attempted to conquer a hill in 98-degree heat. Out of respect, the re-enactors who played that part removed their own canteens during the filming of the movie. Buy the DVD or watch instantly on Amazon.
Learning Links
The Birth of America - Fun facts about the American Revolution.
Fourth of July Fireworks - Create some virtual fireworks!
Fireworks and How They Work - Learn about all the different styles of fireworks, how they work, what chemicals they're made of, and more!
Ice Cream - July is National Ice Cream Month!
In the Good Old Summertime - Fun facts about summer, with a list of things to do this summer.
Summer Reading List - A list of stories set at the seashore, woods, mountains, campground, countryside and backyard.
Summer Movies - Some of these have summer themes and others just evoke the feeling of a summer adventure.
Play it Safe in the Sun - Arizona has the highest rate of skin cancer among the 50 states, so cover up!
Summer Safety - Stay out of the heat, and be extra careful around water!
Solar Cooking - Instructions for building a solar oven, plus recipes.
Take a Virtual Vacation - If you’re an armchair traveler, the Internet is the place for you!
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!
Here are some lists that will help with your summer travels!
Road Trip Log - This is what we use to keep track of our miles, times, and places wherever we go; then we save them in a family trip binder for future reference.
Camping Checklist - A vacation packing list that our family has used over the years, with space to add your own items.
Family Trip Plan - We start getting ready for our trip a week ahead of time, by following this list of things to do.
(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)
Quote of the Month
“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
A Note From Teri...
Wishing you a Happy July 4th! As part of your Independence Day festivities, cool off with some red, white, and blue (strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry) ice cream! Vanilla and strawberry are easy to find at the store, and you can make your own blueberry ice cream. Here's how:
You Will Need:
2 cups blueberries
2 cups half-and-half
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pick the blueberries and rinse them clean. Mash them in a bowl with a fork until at desired texture. In a large bowl, combine the half-and-half, condensed milk, cream and vanilla. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker, adding the blueberry puree once the mixture is frozen to a thickness of soft-serve ice cream. OR you can make the ice cream without an ice cream maker, stirring in the blueberry puree once the mixture is almost completely frozen. Top with fresh blueberries and enjoy!
Happy Homeschooling!
P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?