Knowledge House Newsletter


Homeschool Information... Ideas... and Inspiration

September Holidays & Special Days - Click Here!

~ September 2012 ~

Dear Readers,

In memory of the victims and heroes of 9/11, on this 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, remember to pray for the families that lost loved ones, pray for our nation and its leaders, and pray for our troops and let them know how much we need them. As President George W. Bush said in his first Patriot Day Proclamation, "Inspired by the heroic sacrifices of our firefighters, rescue and law enforcement personnel, military service members, and other citizens, our Nation found unity, focus, and strength... From the tragedy of September 11 emerged a stronger Nation, renewed by a spirit of national pride and a true love of country... We will always remember our collective obligation to ensure that justice is done, that freedom prevails, and that the principles upon which our Nation was founded endure." That's what this month's issue is dedicated to. For information on how you and your family can help preserve the heritage and values of our Founding Fathers - including patriotic resources, educational materials, historical documents, famous homeschooled patriots, and more - please visit www.HomeschoolPatriot.com.

Teri's Sig


Featured Article

Our Constitution Rocks!

New book by homeschooled teen author!

On September 17, 1787, the founding fathers changed the course of American history – they signed the United States Constitution. This year marks the Constitution’s 225th anniversary!

The Constitution has been called miraculous, revolutionary, unprecedented, all that and more. With it, our Founding Fathers created a free nation, a country governed by the people in a way never seen before.

Fourteen-year-old Juliette Turner, the homeschooled daughter of actress and conservative talk radio host Janine Turner, is encouraging her peers to understand the importance of the Constitution and gain a deeper understanding of the document that makes America the greatest nation on earth in her debut book Our Constitution Rocks!

Released nationwide on September 4, 2012 from Zonderkidz, a division of Zondervan, Our Constitution Rocks! takes a unique look at America’s founding document and makes it relevant to young people. Learn how those guys in wigs came up with some of the best ideas ever – and find out why the Constitution still matters to kids today.

“It’s not just an old document written by a bunch of men in powdered wigs and tights,” says Juliette. “It is of utmost importance for kids, the future generation of America, to understand the relevancy of our Constitution, the law of the land. It is America’s road map and guide and without reverence and a working knowledge of it, we will lose our country.”

An informative and easy read for all ages, including parents and teachers, Our Constitution Rocks! simplifies an age-old historical document by translating it into current language. Juliette breaks down the Constitution, clause by clause, and makes it real for a new generation through fun facts, quotes, cartoons, actual debates, great graphics, and cool categories such as:

  • What has it done for me lately?
  • Why should I care?
  • How can I make a difference?
  • Breaking it down
  • The Bottom Line
  • What were they thinking?

Ever since her mother read the Constitution to her on a hammock during spring break, Juliette has been interested in the Constitution and how it affects the future of America. The idea and concept for the book began as a homeschooling assignment where Juliette interpreted ninety essays that had been written by scholars from Constituting America, making them kid-friendly for a younger audience.

Juliette’s passion and excitement breathes new life into an old document and explains why the U.S. Constitution remains one of the most important documents in world history. Our Constitution Rocks! is a reminder of what it means to have a voice and live free.

The book is endorsed by a number of reputable figures including:

  • Barbara Bush, Former First Lady of the United States
  • Laura Bush, Former First Lady of the United States
  • Penny Nance, President of Concerned Women for America
  • Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College
  • Michael Farris, Chancellor of Patrick Henry College and Chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association

Author, activist, and student Juliette Turner is the National Youth Director for Constituting America, and the Founder of PoliKids! Politics for Kids. Juliette is homeschooled by her mother on a ranch outside of Colleyville, Texas, where she can be found caring for eight dogs and twenty-five heads of longhorn cattle when she isn’t busy studying, writing, or speaking at political conventions.

This book would be a great unit study for Constitution Week, September 16 - September 23. Click here to purchase Our Constitution Rocks! at Amazon.

Book of the Month

Constitution Week is coming up soon! This is the perfect time for all citizens young and old to review and study the U.S. Constitution. A thorough knowledge of the Constitution is more important today than ever. The Citizens Rule Book - the legacy of my late father-in-law - contains the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and quotes by Founding Fathers. Consider distributing this pocket-sized Constitution booklet to family, friends, homeschoolers, community groups, church members, co-workers. Only $1.00 each! Order online at HomeschoolPatriot.com.

Famous Homeschoolers

Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron is an actor and film producer who has used his celebrity as a platform to share the gospel of Christ. He speaks at schools, churches, and community events, and has spent much of his adulthood speaking plainly and directly about Christ’s work in his life. Cameron has found many ways to live out a Christian example, by donating his time and talents to serve others in various causes such as providing rest and recreation for seriously ill children, raising awareness of human rights abuses in Southeast Asia, and offering advice to married couples. He is also a homeschooling dad – "Home educating (or as we like to call it, “life schooling”) our kids affords me the privilege of doing cool things with my boys like bringing them with me to a business meeting in Bend, Oregon and learning how to fly fish." Read Kirk's biography and learn more about his homeschool philosophy at http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_kirk-cameron.html.

Reading Between the Lines

Monumental: In Search of America's National Treasure

Christian actor and film producer Kirk Cameron recently said: “The land of the free begins in the homes of the brave.” What motivated the Pilgrims to come to America? What formula for success did they discover? More importantly, how can we apply these same foundational truths today? Monumental is a 90-minute documentary that follows Kirk Cameron across Europe and the U.S. as he seeks to discover America’s true “national treasure” – the people, places, and principles that made America the freest, most prosperous and generous nation on earth. Read my complete review at http://www.homeschoolpatriot.com/review-monumental.html.

Learning Links

  • 9-11 Heroes (September 11 - we will never forget.)

  • Constitution Day (Constitution Day is September 17. That whole week is designated as Constitution Week.)

  • Monarch Butterflies (The Monarch Butterfly's fall migration.)

  • Autumn Leaves (Activities and resources for learning about fall leaves.)

  • Pirates (September 19 is "Talk Like a Pirate Day.")

  • Autumn is for Apples (Learn a little bit about Johnny Appleseed - his birthday is September 26 - and try some yummy apple recipes.)

  • Etiquette & Ethics (September is Children's Good Manners Month.)

Freebie of the Month

Constitution Challenge - In honor of Constitution Week which is September 16–23, have your children memorize the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. I've put together a decorative copy of The Preamble, a memory activity, memorization tips, vocabulary, and Constitutional Quotations for Copywork (4 pages total).

Rules of Civility - To celebrate Children's Good Manners Month, have your children learn general courtesies, manners and morals the way George Washington did! Click here for a free copy of "George Washington's Rules of Civility" in a 17-page e-book.

HOUSEHOLD LISTS: September is National Preparedness Month, so I'm re-running these two lists (in one PDF) - Stocking a Home Survival Kit / Portable Emergency Kit

(All of the above require Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men.” ~Samuel Adams

A Note From Teri...

This month is the 5th anniversary of my newsletter... and to celebrate, I'm continuing my book sale. Save over 50% on my exclusive Back-to-Homeschool set! These books will be a source of refreshing encouragement and practical motivation throughout your school year. (I own 3 of the titles and wrote 2 of them, so trust me – they are worth getting.)

Learning for Life: Educational Words of Wisdom
Easy Homeschooling Techniques
Easy Homeschooling Curriculum
Easy Homeschooling Companion
How to Write a Homeschool Mission Statement

Click here for detailed book descriptions!

Get ALL 5 BOOKS (valued at $85) for ONLY $30!*
OR purchase one or more individual titles - also on sale!

*Plus you'll get FREE SHIPPING & 5 free printable handouts!

Happy Homeschooling!

Teri's Sig

P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?

Copyright © 2012 by Teri Ann Berg Olsen, www.knowledgehouse.info. To subscribe to this free e-newsletter, send a blank e-mail to and follow the instructions in the confirmation e-mail that you will receive, or sign up on the web at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KnowledgeHouse. To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to . Questions? E-mail .