My Websites
My Products
My Affiliates
~ September 2013 ~
Dear Readers,
September is a time of change and reflection, whether going back to school or beginning college for the first time, to marking the end of summer and the start of autumn. The ninth month of the year is at once joyous and solemn, impacting all of us in different ways. September 11, 2013 - the 12th anniversary of 9/11 - is a day of honoring and remembering those who died in the terrorist attacks. On a happier note, September is full of special days such as National Grandparents Day (September 9th), International Chocolate Day (September 13th), and Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19th). September is National Preparedness Month as well as Children's Good Manners Month, and this month also includes Constititution Week (September 16-23). On September 25, my husband and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and the 33rd anniversary of the day we first met. What does September mean to you?
Featured Article
Today I wanted to share a great article from the July/August 2013 issue of Imprimis, the monthly magazine of Hillsdale College. I finally got around to reading my paper copy and found the online edition so I could post a link for you.
As homeschoolers, we are aware of the impact and importance of influences on the developing minds of our children. We nurture our kids and try to maintain their innocence a little longer. But it seems that children’s literature isn’t even safe anymore.
Some people feel it doesn’t matter what kids read, as long as they’re reading something. However, in this article, Meghan Cox Gurdon shares some shocking revelations about the increasingly dark and ugly genre of Young Adult literature – books aimed at readers between 12-18 years of age.
READ MORE: http://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/current
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
Every year around Labor Day, I think of the American poet Walt Whitman. He wrote "I Hear America Singing," a poem that describes average Americans happily at work. Whitman worked as a printer, editor, journalist, and publisher in the early 1800s - the time of the American publishing industry's phenomenal growth after the Revolution, when authors and publishers were establishing for America a literary culture of its own. Referring to himself as "one of the roughs," Whitman promoted himself as the poet of American democracy and of the common man. Definitely not one of the academically elite, Whitman attended one of the newly founded New York public schools until age 11, but his most meaningful learning came from his many years of self-education. Read his biography here: http://www.famoushomeschoolers.net/bio_walt-whitman.html.
Reading Between the Lines
I recently wrote an overview of five excellent educational products (all Christian-based) that are usable for high school credit, yet are not necessarily very well-known among the general homeschool community. The first three I just discovered this year and wish I had known about them earlier. The last two books on the list I've had for a long time but most people aren't aware of them. Read the article at HomeschoolingTeen.com.
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(s) 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.
September is National Preparedness Month. Would you and your family be ready in an emergency? Here are some helpful printables:
Stocking a Portable Emergency Kit
Emergency Preparation & Planning
Emergency Evacuation: Things to Bring
How to Prepare for a Utility Outage
(All of the above require Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)
“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
This month is the 5th anniversary of my newsletter... and to celebrate, I'm having a sale on my exclusive homeschool book set! (Each title is also available individually.) These books will be a refreshing source of encouragement and practical motivation throughout your school year.
Quote of the Month
A Note From Teri...
Easy Homeschooling Techniques
Easy Homeschooling Curriculum
Easy Homeschooling Companion
How to Write a Homeschool Mission Statement
OR purchase one or more individual titles - also on sale!
Happy Homeschooling!
P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?