Hallelujah Service

We had a hallelujah service in school today. It was actually during our math lesson.

You know how each math procedure (+, -, x and division) has a method to check if your answer is right? Like in division you take the quotient and multiply it by the divisor then add any remainders. If the answer to that matches the dividend you did the problem correctly.

Well today in Emma's math lesson she learned how to check addition, multiplication and division problems by casting out nines (9s). When I first read over this back in July I thought, "What in the world!!??" But as I was actually working through it today, I got so excited. I think I need to explain so you'll understand. I'll give you the run down.

Take this simple problem for example:

239 (addend)
+195 (addend)
434 (sum)

1. cross through the nines in each addend.
2. cross out any digits within an addend that add up to 9 (in this case there aren't any but if one of the addends was 635, you'd cross out the 6 and 3).
3. add the numbers left in the addends (in this problem they are 2+3=5, and in the second addend are 1+5=6).
4. add those numbers (5+6=11).
5. add the digits of your answer in line 4. until you have a single digit (1+1=2).
6. now cross out any 9s or digits that add up to 9 in your original sum (434 has no digits that are to be crossed out).
7. add the digits remaining (4+3+4=11).
8. add the digits of your answer in line 7. until you get one digit (1+1=2)

If the answer in line 5. matches your answer in line 8. you did the problem correctly!

This works EVERY SINGLE TIME no matter the problem! Division and Multiplication have one slight change in the procedure and if you really want to know let me know. But isn't that amazing!!!???

Emma was checking problems like:
75,264
87,915
60,352
95,715
+83,972 and 90,673 divided by 83!

The God of this universe is so amazing!! He created math. And only He could have the mind to set so many things in perfect order that you could eliminate nines and check answers!!!

So as I'm bubbling over with enthusiam about this simple but amazing revelation, I had to share with the kids what Roddy read to me last night. It's from the book by Dinesh D'Souza called "What's So Great About Christianity."

"...Kepler's third law (scientific laws are called laws because they can be proven to occur over and over - so this is not a theory or guess here) states that the square of the time of a planet's revolution is proportional to the cube of its mean distance from the sun."

Did you get that? Every planet's cubed mean distance from the sun is proportional to it's revolution time squared!

God did this!! Not chance! Not evolution! Not cosmic chaos! This is perfect order created by a perfect God! Oh my word, I get excited just thinking about it again!

Yea, God!!!!!!!!

Loving Discipline

I wanted to give another example of punishing v. disciplining our children because not all situations are to be handled with a spanking.

Spankings are reserved for instances where your child willfully chooses to disobey you. In other words, you ask them to not do something and they do it anyway, or you ask them to do something and they don't do it right away, all the way, and cheerfully.

Spankings are not to be used as discipline for childishness or thoughtlessness or for kids 12 and older. Spilling something at the table because they are playing around = childishness. Leaving the back door open when they run out to play = thoughtlessness.

When your child just isn't thinking and is not purposefully trying to disobey you, that is when you give a consequence fitting the offense.

When they spill something, patiently teach them how to clean up after themselves.

When they leave the door open, patiently call them back and have them practice going in and out of the door opening and closing it carefully each time. This is also good if you have kids that slam the door when they come in or out.

We teach our kids to take their plates, silverware and cups from the table after a meal, then have them ask what they can do to help clean up the kitchen. One of our boys was consistently forgetting to ask what he could do to help. He'd put his plate in the sink and run off. So we told him that from now on if he 'forgot', I would sweetly call him back and say, "Thank you for volunteering to clean up the kitchen for everyone."

Be sure before you implement a consequence that your child understands the standard or expectation. Surprising them with something new will only exasperate them. If you have a new rule in your house have them practice what you expect so you know they are capable and completely understand. Let them know what will happen if they don't do it and consistently follow through.

Also, be sure your standards are God's standards based on His Word. Manners are taught because they show love to others. Responsibility through chores and helping out teach our kids to be stewards of the time and gifts given from God. Obedience and honor to parents translates into obedience and honor to their Heavenly Father. Self-control is learning to say no to self and yes to God. Who doesn't want this for their children?

Again, the difference between punishment and discipline starts in your heart and should be for the purpose of reaching their heart. Is your purpose to benefit the child in teaching self-control and responsibility, love for God and others?

If so, look for every opportunity to step back, take a deep breath, evaluate the situation (are you dealing with rebellion or childishness?) and then apply loving discipline.

Monday's Motto

Many hands make light work.

In other words, the more who chip in and help the quicker and lighter the job.

Curriculum

I promised to give you a rundown of the curriculum we've used during the last 5 years homeschooling.

Reading/Language/Grammar:

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons - I'm now using it for the fourth time with Charlie and Iris. Love this book! Requires no prep time. Takes 15-20 minutes max per day. Here's an example of what they are reading by Christmas of their kindergarten year:

"A mouse had a house that shined. Every day, that mouse got a rag and went from room to room. The mouse picked up every bit of dust. The mouse was very proud. 'This is how I like my house.'"

Abeka's Special Sounds
After they learn to read, we use these flashcards to emphasize phonics rules. Also helps with spelling.

Abeka Language
I used their workbooks up until this year. I like them and have nothing bad to say about the curriculum but just wanted to try something new. So this year we're using...

Rod and Staff English
So far the kids and I like this curriculum. It's simple but thorough. Also inexpensive.

Math
Abeka Math
I love Abeka math. I've used it every year except last year (review to follow) and am using it again this year.

Saxon Math
I used this last year because I had heard in later elementary grades to switch from Abeka to Saxon. I liked the setup. I think it was thorough. And I may switch back and forth between Abeka and Saxon.

One thing to note: Saxon is a grade level behind Abeka. Last year Emma used Saxon 65 which is Saxon's 5th grade math. That was equivalent to Abeka's 4th grade math.

Science (Emma, Gray and Jackson together)
I haven't pushed Science that much because I think I don't remember anything I learned in elementary school in those subjects, why stress myself with it too early? So we've just lived science with snakes, frogs, caterpillars ,butterflies, squirrels, chickens, gardening, etc.

As far as books go, this year (and last year) we're using:
Rod and Staff's Patterns of Nature
Abeka's Understanding God's World

History (Emma, Gray and Jackson together)
Last year we used Abeka's Our American Heritage
and read:
"By the Shores of Silver Lake" by Laura Ingalls Wilder
"Stories of the Pilgrims" by Margaret B. Pumphrey,
"Ten Boy Who..." by Irene Howat
Missionary Stories with the Millers
and picked up books at the library on a couple of the Presidents

This year we're reading through biographies and autobiographies on people such as: Anne Frank, Clara Barton, Benjamin Franklin, Martha Washington, George Washington, Daniel Boone, Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller.

Also we'll be reading historical books like Sarah Whitcher's Story, Red Cap, Dear Levi, Lilly's Crossing, The Sign of the Beaver.

Geography is done when we read something and I show them where it is on the map then relate it to something like "That's right next to Uncle Larry and Aunt Kara" or "That's where Meme and Papa are right now."

Literature
That's the fancy word I'm using for the time I spend reading chapter books to the kids. My spelling/vocabulary words are coming from these stories.

Latin
Prima Latina
I scoffed last year when my friend suggested that our kids need to learn Latin. But the curriculum she used is so simple that I'm using it this year. It is supposed to be great for spelling, grammar and vocabulary. We do one lesson twice a week.

Handwriting
I buy pads of paper from Rod and Staff.
For cursive, I use Abeka's writing pads.

Pride, Fear - Humility, Courage

Oh my word, she did it again!

Really, if you don't make it a regular practice to read Ann's blog, you should. Today you'll find her at (In)courage and her words are perfect for a perfectionist such as I.

"Just bow in humility to rise up in courage."

"It’s only pride's hunger for perfection that paralyzes a heart, keeps us enslaved to fear."

"Because if I wear humility, I’m not afraid of the falling. "

"Courage lives in the heart of the lowly... those who can embrace humility and the possibility of imperfection ... because that needy place is where God meets us."

You've got to read it all for yourself!

Prayer

I don't know how she does it, except that it's a gift from God the way she paints words that touch my soul...

Read Ann's Prayer Struggle...

Monday's Motto

Do everything without complaining or arguing.

Philippians 2:14

Punishment v. Discipline

As a mom do you punish or discipline your kids?

What's the difference?

I believe the difference starts in the heart.

One is about the offended. The other is about the offender.

One's purpose is payback. The other's purpose is to benefit the child.

One is done out of selfishness. The other is done out of selflessness.

One is motivated by anger and frustration. The other is motivated by love.

One is to please self. The other is to please God.

The result of one is distance, alienation. The result of the other is closeness, restoration.

Let me give you an example. Let's say your child disobeys you.

You can, out of frustration and annoyance, yell or threaten impending consequences. You could even calmly but with underlying anger dole out consequences. But do the consequences fit the crime? Do you over do it? What I mean is do you give more than one consequence just to make sure they really get it this time? Or do you extend a loss of privilege much longer than is necessary?

I have not even touched the subject of spanking yet on this blog and maybe I need to. I'll go into it more on another day but today just let me say that spankings given in love and patience are biblical and will change the heart of a child.

In the situation of a child who disobeys, the most loving thing you can do is calmly ask the child to wait for you in their room. If you are angry, PRAY! Do not go in until you are right with Jesus.

When you are ready, go into the child's room, soften your voice and ask him/her, "Did you obey Mommy when I asked you to...?" If they say no, then ask them, "What does God tell children about their parents?" And hopefully one of your child's first memory verses is Ephesians 6:1-3. Then remind them that you love them and you want them to be blessed for honoring you and it is your job to teach them that. Have them lay across your lap or the bed and calmly spank their underwear covered bottom.

Then immediately hug them and tell them again that you love them. At that point I usually ask them what they need to say to Mommy. Then they apologize for disobeying. Tell them they are forgiven. Pray for them and then give the original command again so they have another chance to do the right thing. If they do, praise them.

Ask yourself what your purpose is. Are you really trying to reach your child's heart for Jesus? Or are you just fed up?

Do you forget that you make mistakes too and expect your child to "get it" even when you don't?

Do you forget that you are still alive and well when all you deserve is hell? I do.

Do you point your child to the Cross and to their need for the loving Savior Who died for them and their sin? Or do you point the finger of condemnation?

There is a lot of parenting advice that is pure junk. A lot of it is sold in the Christian bookstore. I don't claim to be an expert but I do know that worldly wisdom has infiltrated our parenting and look where it's gotten us. Godly, Biblical advice is rare.

If you are seeking to train your children in the way they should go but aren't sure where to turn, I highly recommend the Bible first.
Second, two video series Biblical Insights Into Child Training and Beyond Obedience by Reb Bradley as well as his book Child Training Tips
Last, Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

Schedule Explanation Part II

More schedule talk...If you're wondering why I'm starting with number 4, go to the previous post...

4. I am a morning person. I like to get up early. Noon feels like the day is almost over to me. But don't think I love getting up at 5am. I actually hate it. 6am would be much better for me. But I do it because it's necessary to get in my workout and quiet-time which is necessary to make my PMS not so bad.

I used to not like 6am. But 2 1/2 years ago (before I started going to the gym) I made a New Year's resolution to start getting up at that time so I could have my time in the Word.

All that to say, don't feel bad if you aren't getting up at 5am. But if you think it would help, take it 30 minutes at a time and ask God to help you. He woke me up many times!

5. My schedule is a tool not a rule. What I love about schedules is that I can get so much more done. But I can also change it as needed and still get everything done. For example, last week during Iris' one-on-one time, we ran to the library because it looked like it was going to storm soon. We made it home before the ran and then had our time together during "free time."

Also, I love order. But as much as I love order, I also love change. I can get off schedule one day or two (like going to the beach for a couple of days) and just jump right back in the next day. No big deal.

6. Schedules help a lot with kids. Years ago when I had a skeleton of a schedule, one of the first things I put on it was tv time. Before, the kids would ask all day, "Can we watch tv?" and I would mostly say no so they wouldn't be watching all day. But I got tired of the nagging. After I scheduled it, all I had to say was, "It's not tv time yet." They just seemed to have this easy acceptance like "Oh, of course, it's not tv time yet." They knew they would get it eventually. It just wasn't time then. Soon they learned tv time fell right at the same time every day and they didn't even ask anymore. Now that they have computer time, it's the same thing.

7. Chores - it seems like adding the word "time" to anything just makes it more acceptable to kids. I get much fewer complaints when it is "2 o'clock chore-time" than when I just randomly pull them in to do their work.

8. My computer time - My sister was also wondering if I only get 30 minutes of computer time all day. Well, it would be best, but my hubby has this awesome thing called an i-phone, so during our evening free times I get to jump on and off to read up on emails and blogs. It can be such a time-robber that I try to keep it in check.

Not sure if that cleared everything up or not but hope it helps.

Schedule Explanation Part I

Just wanted to expound on some of my scheduled and non-scheduled events listed in this post:

1. Bathtime/Showers - Why not scheduled? Because I just don't find it necessary to do everyday. I know that totally grosses some of you out. If the kids have been outside playing and are sweaty, they get baths. I rarely sweat, even when I work out, so I only take showers every other day and that's based on what's going on. Like I'll take one Sunday morning before church, then again Monday afternoon before Bible study but probably not again until Wednesday afternoon before church.

2. Quiet-time - My sister was cracking me up after she read the post and said, "There's a lot of quiet-time going on over there!" I personally need a lot of time in the Word or reading books that point me to the Word.

I start my day listening to a sermon on podcast while I put on makeup - usually Mark Driscoll but sometimes Chip Ingram or others. I read my Bible after that.

Midday, I read one of the books I'm in the process of going through. Currently those are:
So Much More by the Botkin sisters or
Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl
Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell

At night I read one of those books or Discovering Your Child's Strengths by Jennifer Fox.

Charlie and Iris's quiet time at 10:30am is actually completely different. We originally called it Blanket Time and I'll explain it in more detail later but basically they have to sit quietly on a blanket. They can either play with a toy or two (by themselves) or look at books. But they have to be quiet. Teaches self-control.

3. One-on-One Time - Each child has been assigned a day of the week. Charlie - Monday, Gray - Tuesday, Iris - Wednesday, Jackson - Thursday, Emma - Friday. Those are the days they have their special chores but also those are the days they get 1/2 an hour of computer time and 1/2 an hour of one-on-one time with me. They get to pick however they want to spend our time together - reading to them, playing cards or boardgames, cars, dolls, etc. It just has to be at home.

I'll explain some more things tomorrow...

Monday's Motto

Obedience must be done:

Cheerfully

Right Away

All the Way

No Matter What

First Day and Our Schedule

Well our first day of school went really well! The kids were so excited they started before I even made it in the school room.Of course, my first thought is, "This is not going to work with my new schedule." But I went with it and it turned out fine. We actually finished early even though Bible time went long.

The reason the schedule is important is because of adding Charlie and Iris. I have to work it so the older kids are doing their independent work while I'm working one-on-one with the younger two.

Since Mrs. Jackson had asked about my curriculum and school schedule after this post, I'll go ahead and answer the schedule question now. Curriculum will be another day.

This schedule is new (changes every year) so I haven't work out the kinks yet (changes throughout the year). Here goes anyway...

5:00 - me up and dressed for the gym while listening to sermon on podcast - usually Mark Driscoll
5:30 - quiet time
6:00 - Roddy gets home from gym, I leave for gym; Roddy gets ready for the day and has quiet time
7:00 - *leave gym for home; kids up and start morning chores (by the way, the chore badges were the best idea I've had!)
7:30 - my breakfast & laundry; kids finish morning chores; Roddy leaves for work
8:00 - Bible time (today we set spiritual goals for ourselves, very cool time)
8:30 - Emma's math lesson while Gray and Jay work on math worksheet; then teach the boy's math lesson; Iris and Charlie have free time
9:00 - older kids continue working on math while I teach Charlie and Iris to read and write
9:30 - older kids handwriting; Charlie and Iris math
10:00 - older kids English lesson; younger two free time
10:30 - MWF - Literature (reading classics, asking comprehension questions), Tues - History, Thur - Science; younger two have quiet time in the room with us
11:00 - MWF - Vocab/Spelling, Tues & Thurs - Latin; youngers free then clean up time
11:30 - lunch & laundry
12:00 - read to kids
12:30 - my nap, Iris' nap, MWF - Charlie's nap; older kids read quietly or finish school work
1:00 - snack and tv time; my snack and quiet time
1:30 - my computer time
2:00 - afternoon chores for all
2:30 - one-on-one time with one of the kids; the rest free time
3:00 - computer time for one of the kids; rest free; my project/to-do list time
4:00 - dinner prep & laundry
5:00 - Roddy home, dinner
6:00 - clean up dinner watch Little House as family
7:00 - free, more family time
8:00 - Iris bed, Mommy and Daddy time
8:30 - the rest of the kids in bed
9:00 - my reading/quiet time
9:30 - our bedtime

*I don't go to the gym every day so on those days (like today) I get up at 5:30, get ready, do some exercises, etc.

Well, gotta run! It's 2 o'clock...afternoon chores are waiting :)... But first some pics of our morning:

My ambidextrous daughter coloring with both hands at the same time.

Monday's Motto

Some of our mottos are straight from Scripture...

When words are many, sin is not absent

But he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 10:19