A new school year

The adventure of school is underway. Kindergarten for Gwennan; preschool for Afton. Their enthusiasm is more than I ever hoped for. Gwennan is eager to practice. My fears for getting the school year kicked off well are assuaged. 

Paper doll from the book study

Practicing numbers on the sidewalk

Nature study

 This post could be a montage and make us look like a super-schooling family. That would not be a fair depiction. We started school a month ago. Do not be intimidated - I feel accomplished if I plan one interesting event a week.

Here’s what we’ve done:

Homemade worksheets.

Printed off worksheets.

More homemade worksheets.

Because school is work. The year started out rote and routine. Page after page of copy work and math skills, reviewing the alphabet and numbers, correcting mistakes in letter formation, introducing diphthongs and silent e. Setting a foundation for the three R’s.

Our first year homeschooling, we started the year hatching butterflies from cocoons. It was a perfect unit study, tying in the letter B with hands-on science and Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Charlotte Mason couldn’t have done any better. After that first week, our expectation for school was sky high. I couldn’t keep up with the energy or excitement. The year faded into monotony that soon felt like failure after the hype of the first week. That’s why we started out with the difficult daily grind. The new school year momentum carried us through building the practice of school. Now that we’re in a good habit, we’ve introduced the fun stuff.

1. Nature study
We took a day at the park to examine different leaves, count lobes, identify veins, take rubbings. By sorting pinecones, sweet gum balls, and acorns, we explored odd and even sets. Our fearless kindergartener led us on a Milne-esque “expotition.”

2. Book study - Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I’ve anticipated sharing this book with Gwennan since the doctor told me she was a girl. Reading the Ingalls’ story as a family is one of my favorite childhood memories. Every afternoon, we cuddle up after lunch and dive into a new chapter, only to have them beg to hear two. The new favorite game at our house: lock Abby (cast as Jack) in the room, huddle in the bed, and squeal over the wolves outside the “cabin.” So far, it’s been everything I hoped for. 

Funny side story: We were practicing predictions during the Christmas chapter. I asked the girls how many presents they thought Mary and Laura would receive: lots and lots or just a couple. Gwennan voted just a couple. When I asked why, she reasoned that they lived way out in the big woods without other people, so there wasn’t a Target.

3. Missionary social studies
Each week (starting yesterday), we learn the story of a missionary, where they came from, where they traveled to, who they helped, and most importantly, why they helped. We investigate the culture they moved to, including food from that region (as Tim pointed out, I never pass up an opportunity for curry or any other unusual fare).

source

Amy Carmichael was our first subject. A single woman who became a mother to thousands of abused children. Such an amazing testimony. Her story is told briefly here. Elisabeth Elliot (who will be a subject later in the year) might be her greatest champion and wrote a beautiful article about her mission and writing here.

I can’t believe how this year has started. Where I feared stubborn refusal from students and blustering impatience from teacher, school has been none of those things. If I expected things to go so poorly, why did I ever agree to homeschool? My own experience. I remember neglecting my work, hiding skipped homework, fighting with my mom. some. More I recall amazing field trips, extra time on more interesting subjects, weekly trips to the library, hours reading what I loved, extra time with my mom and sisters, extra time playing, moving school outside on days too lovely to stay inside. Flexibility and time. What I want for my kids too. And so far, exactly what we have.

Teaching the art of learning

School has started. When I told big one she was going to start home school this year, she informed me that she didn't need home school; she needs high school. She is two and three quarters after all.

Our schooling is simple and short. Counting, letters, art, reading, Bible, science. I plan for 30 minutes or less. This morning she surprised me by focusing for 40 and asking for more school. A hungry learner who cannot sit flat in her chair. I think my first report card said the exact same thing.

As if on cue, our first butterfly emerged yesterday. We crowded around the little habitat watching blue, orange and black wings unfold and strengthen. Within a few hours, he was ready for a release party. The girls waved and yelled, "Bye bye, Eric," as he rode the wind out of our yard. A swallowtail passes by the kitchen window this morning, and I wonder if Eric is visiting home.

My mom commented last night that I set up our cross curriculum learning well with the science behind the butterfly and practicing the letter B and an art project. It was a shame that the girls were too young to appreciate it. She's right, of course. The girls may see photos or saved scribbling in a phonic book, but they won't remember our first butterfly hatching and coloring butterfly wings. This year of school is not really about them. It's for me. I'm learning how to organize and prepare and create and teach.  Learn alongside them. Think school, so that we stay in a steady of state of watching and learning.

The title makes this post sound more authoritative than it is. I'm still studying theory for creating life-long learners. But I start with a great advantage: my momma taught us to learn and to enjoy learning. She won't give herself much credit for the job she did homeschooling us, but when I started reading homeschool theory, it all sounded very familiar. As if someone had lived it out for me. Thanks Momma.

Two hungry caterpillars

We are caterpillar crazy today. The black swallowtails are pillaging our parsley. Soon they will be beautiful bivouac-like cocoons.

Last year I gave up the caterpillar fight and let them have the parsley. No Seven dust. And was rewarded with sighting a butterfly emerging.

This year, I actually moved two into the house and bought extra parsley! The girls are smitten. Their very own very hungry caterpillars. Their wide eyes peer into tiny insect lives.

And so begins our first home school science experiment. Meet Eric...

and Carle...

Big one does not understand how long this venture will take. We walk to the grocery store, and she expects butterflies when we get back. Small one doesn't understand what we're doing at all. She just wants to poke them, especially since they send out these crazy orange antler things whenever you touch  them {I looked it up - they're not toxic}. 

Truth be told, I'm having the most fun. Not only enjoying the girls' discovery. I like the idea of hatching butterflies in my house. I like having a science project sitting on my dining room table. A natural wonder unfolding before our eyes. I like the teaching. No doubt these will not be the last caterpillars to find their wings in our home.

For helpful hints on raising soon-to-be butterflies: Joyful Butterfly

He is Risen!

Eggs soak in bright pink and purple bowls. Small reminders of life hidden inside an inert shell. Handheld picture of the tomb...

Our final story for Easter Week - Can you guess it?

He Is Risen from Luke 24 and John 20

This is the story from God's word: Mary had been sick for a long time. No one could make her better. Until she met Jesus. He healed her body and her heart. Mary loved Jesus and worked hard to help Jesus and his disciples.

But now, Jesus was dead, buried in a tomb that was sealed with a heavy stone. In Jesus' day, mourners brought expensive perfume to graves to help with the smell. It showed respect for the dead man's body. Mary woke up early Sunday morning to take perfume to Jesus.

When she arrived, the heavy stone was rolled back, exposing the cave. When she looked in, Jesus was not in the tomb at all, only the sheet he was wrapped in. Mary was heartbroken. She couldn't even take care of Jesus one last time. Two men from God saw her crying and asked, Why did you come to a grave to look for someone who's alive? Jesus isn't laying dead in a tomb. He's alive!

Mary thought the men were crazy. Dead people didn't walk out of graves. But then she heard a familiar voice, Mary. She turned around and saw Jesus, alive! She threw her arms around Jesus.  If Jesus could make his death right, He could make everything right. All sin and all pain and all death. This was the beginning of God's new kingdom. That's the end of our story.

If you used these stories, please tell me about it.

The Great Race

How dark must Saturday have felt? All hope wrongfully buried deep in a cave, hidden behind an immovable boulder. Waiting for another traitor to lead soldiers and pharisees to arrest key followers. Wondering if they were about to face a false trial, hidden behind closed doors. Or would they be left alone? No direction, no leader, no jobs, no family, no Jesus. No wonder the disciples hid in despair.

They'd seen Lazarus walk out of a tomb. But Jesus was there to call him. What happens when Jesus is the one in the tomb? When the untouchable teacher who calms raging waves is so completely beaten? He didn't even defend himself. As if he had determined his death before they even arrested him.

In light of the despair of that Saturday long ago, our teachable story is one to combat the dark days, a story of great hope, taken from Hebrews 12:1-3:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart.

Team Work

The Great Race

This is the story from God's word. All around us, a race {run with your arms} is being run. A very long race over steep hills and low valleys. It's a race that God designed for all of his people to run. Sometimes, on the steep hills, the runners get so tired that they want to quit. But God has given them a special power {flex muscles} so that they can keep running. This power is called faith. And faith grows unbreakably strong when runners run together.

To make sure that no runner is ever left alone, God gave his special people stories of other faithful people. Like Abraham and Moses, who risked everything they cared about to obey God. They trusted God's big promise to send Jesus as their deliverer. When we think about other people's faith, it makes our faith stronger.

Even better, we have the story of Jesus. The only way people could walk and talk with God again was if perfect Jesus accepted all the punishment for their sin. Jesus only thought about how wonderful this reunion would be, like a shepherd's party after finding his lost lamb. He focused on that celebration as he was punished for everyone else. When we think about Jesus' faith, it makes our faith stronger.

With our super power of faith, strengthened by other people, we can run hard and finish the long race {throw arms out}. At the finish line is a huge party with all of the other faithful runners. The party never ends, as we celebrate the race with Jesus. This is the end of the story.

If you use the stories, please tell me about it.

The Death of the King

In East Tennessee, our thorns are briars - blackberries and roses. Scratched skin, snagged clothing - uncomfortable but not dangerous. In Kenya, thorn has a different reality. Spines, spears, needles - 3 inch inflexible shafts ending in razor points. Meant to deter herds of grazers from destroying the few desperate leaves that grow in the months of dry. The shame and pain of the crown Jesus wore on earth could be felt on any acacia tree.

Artist - Bill Timm

source

Our next story {Day 5 of Easter Week} What other story can you tell on Good Friday? The Death of Jesus Matthew 26:26-27:61, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 16-19

This is the story from God's word: Jesus and his best friends sat around a large table, celebrating the day God's special people left Egypt. Jesus was preparing them for what was about to happen:

Soon, he said, You will not see me anymore. I am going to be with God. When I do, I will make everything new. But I won't leave you alone. I am sending a special,  perfect helper to you. His disciples were confused, but they didn't say anything.

Then Jesus led them to their favorite garden. Like the first garden, a betrayal was about to happen. While Jesus was praying, one of his friends showed up with an army to arrest him, even though Jesus had never done anything wrong.

An angry court listened to lying witnesses and convicted Jesus of crimes he never committed. They sentenced him to death. As he died, he looked at the people around him and loved them. He prayed, Lord, forgive them. Then he accepted the punishment for all their disobedience from God, all the way back to Eve's fruit and on as long as time. Then he cried out, It is finished because he had done everything God asked him to do.

His friends came and buried him in a cave. Then they rolled a big rock in front of the cave door and sealed it up. They ran away and hid thinking that this was the end of Jesus. That's the end of our story.

If you used the stories, please tell me about it.

The Good Keeper

Another teachable story, a parable that introduces Jesus and his ministry. This story is to be told on Day 4 of Passion Week.

Tonight at dinner, big one told us the "serpent story," hitting every point. Small one helped with the hand motions. Favorite lines like "he spoke a lie!" and "God sent them out of the garden" {with wide sweeping arms} are acted out over and over. A very proud moment for me and encouragement to keep writing, keep telling. They are learning, more than I expected.

"The Good Shepherd" Jane Ladik

Day 4: The Good Shepherd Luke 15:2-7, John 10:1-18

This is the story from God's word: Once there was a man who took care of a flock of sheep. Every day he carefully led his sheep into the hills and picked a safe, good place for them to eat. Every night he faithfully led them back to their pen, where he slept by the gate to guard them. He loved his sheep, and all his sheep knew him and followed the sound of his voice.

One day when the flock was eating on a safe hill, a little lamb wandered off, leaving the good keeper and the flock behind. He walked so far that he could not remember the way back. Soon night fell. In the dark, the sheep was frightened and cried out, "Help!" Out of the darkness, the keeper appeared. He was so excited to see the little lamb that he scooped him into his arms and carried the lamb all the way back to the pen. When they returned home, the keeper threw a party with all his friends to celebrate the lamb's safe return.

This good keeper loved his sheep and risked everything to find his lost lamb. This good keeper is Jesus who loves his people and risked everything to make them safe. When his people cried for help, Jesus left his great throne in heaven, walked along a dark hill and delivered his people forever. That's the end of the story.

{This is not a hand motion heavy story, but I think it is easy to act out as you tell it.}

I remember learning this story when I was little, not much older than big one. The scared sheep calling from a rocky ledge while the good shepherd scours the hills to bring him home. I felt the desperation for the reunion. An aha! moment for me as a baby christian.

Jesus' original audience were the 99 sheep, probably offended that the shepherd left them alone to look for one foolish lamb. But for the foolish lamb, the tax collectors and sinners Jesus was so fond of, this story is life itself. Praise the Lord that I was counted with the foolish lamb, that the angels rejoiced upon my safe return!

If you use the stories, please tell me about it.

God's Big Promise

I'm sorry the timing of my teachable story posts has been so confusing. I'm trying to stay two steps ahead, so you can stay one step ahead. Here's the layout for Passion Week teaching so far:

Day 1 {today} Creation
Day 2 {tomorrow} the Fall.
Day 3 {Wednesday} God's Big Promise Genesis 12, Exodus 1, 3-4, 7-12, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, 30:15-20

Context: Adam had many sons and many grandsons and many great grandsons, on and on. Most of his sons did not love God, but one son, Abraham, was loved by God and loved God back. God promised {right index finger to lips, change to a flat hand as you bring to meet left fist ASL for 'promise'} Abraham that he would always love Abraham's sons and grandsons and great grandsons. They would be God's special people. Best of all, God promised that one of Abraham's grandsons would deliver {sweep your flat hand up, as if lifting} the whole world. 

This is the story from God's word: Now Abraham's great, great, great grandchildren, the people God loved, were all slaves {encircle your wrist with your other hand} in a far off land, Egypt. Their lives were very hard, and they cried for someone to deliver them. God heard them. He told a shepherd named Moses to go to Egypt and tell the king to 'Let God's special people go!'  God was going to deliver his special people from slavery, and Moses was going to lead them home.

Moses walked up to the king in Egypt and told him to let God's special people go. The king said, 'No,' {shake head} so God sent punishments to change the king's mind. But the king still said 'No' {cross arms while shaking head}. Finally, God told Moses that he was going to kill the firstborn son of everyone in Egypt, even the king. But He would deliver his special people, if they took the blood from a lamb and painted their doors with it. When his people obeyed, God's messenger passed over their houses, leaving them safe.

 After God's final punishment, the king let God's special people go. God's people danced and sang to God as they followed Moses toward their home. God had delivered them. When they set up camp, God explained his big promise to them. He told them that if they would love Him more than anything that He would give them a home and protect them. But if they loved other things more than God, He would punish them and take away their home. Finally, he reminded them of his big promise to Abraham: one day, God would send Jesus, and He would deliver God's special people forever. That's the end of the story.

 Days 4-7 are forthcoming. Tim and I are still deciding exactly how to arrange them and which passages to focus on. Please pray for our wisdom as we work through these stories.

As always, feedback is appreciated!

Rejoicing in the Upswing

Another mother-daughter weekend. Spring is time for school vacations and youth trips. And time for we girls to play together, bond over something besides household chores.

So, we visited the park. Situated under a stand of pines, we climbed and swung in a green fog {could account for the stuffy sinuses and sore throats}.

 Unsure of the swing at first...

 One big push later, exaltation in anti-gravity

The drama of the swing's fall makes the upturn that much more joyous. Our hearts the same. 

If you sin is small, your savior must be small also. But if you're sin is great, your savior must be great. 
~Charles H. Spurgeon

Our hearts are preparing this sacred week. Searching the soul to expose the depth of our fall, so that we might rejoice in the unimaginable height of His glorious grace. 

Our Creating God

We're having a beautiful, albeit pollen-filled day. The girls played long, arms pink and hair curling in the humidity. Peer pressure tells me to mow, but dandelions tucked behind ears speak louder. Let the flowers grow, and the let the little ones exalt in simple beauty. Our perfectly creative God hides tiny petals in all colors among the blades of grass for little fingers to search out.

Spring beauty reminds me that I owe stories, namely the creation story, for the storytelling project. The first Teachable Story, the story of our creative God from Genesis 1 and 2.

This is the story from God's word: In the beginning, there was nothing {make a zero with hand}. But God was there! He looked at the nothing, and {hold up one finger} God said, Light. He separated day and night, and God said, That's good. The next day {hold up two fingers}, God said, Sky.  He separated earth and heaven, and God said, That's good. The next day {hold up 3 fingers}, God said, Land, Plants.  He separated the ocean and the land, and God said, That's good. The next day {hold up 4 fingers}, God said, Sun, Moon, Stars. He filled the day and night, and God said, That's good. The next day {hold up 5 fingers}, God said, Birds, Fish. He filled the sky and seas, and God said, That's good. The next day, {hold up 6 fingers}, God said, Animals. He filled the land, and God said, That's good. Now that everything was full, God had one more thing to make: Man. God didn't speak this time; He formed dirt to make the man, Adam, and God breathed {blow into your palm} to give him life. Then God created a perfect helper for him, Eve. Adam and Eve were special because they could walk and talk with God. And God said, That's very good. The next day {hold up 7 fingers}, God was finished creating, so He rested. That's the end of the story.

Please give me feedback. Is there anything I need to include or exclude? Do the memory cues work {hand signals, repeated verbal patterns}? Did I slip "church language" in there without realizing it? Is it short enough? Do you have a better way to describe how Adam and Eve are special? Let me know in the comments section.

**Ashley's corrections have been made. Thanks again!

Teachable Stories

The guest pastor scrapped his lesson this week. Decided not to pressure the congregation to enter the mission field on the morning we were sending missionaries out. Instead, he taught us how to teach stories. I found this fascinating and helpful for a Momma wanting to impart the Bible to children. So I thought I would share it with all the Mommas {even the baby-less ones} here.

Team Expansion studied how cultures with oral histories pass stories from one generation to another. They likened the story to a full cup of water passed on carefully. No room to add anything. Rim full, so you must pay attention not to lose any either.

The prep work
These are not accidental stories, made up on the spot, but carefully crafted, intentional tales, meant to be repeated precisely so that the truth is not lost. A group familiar with the original story work together to construct a complete story that is:

• Accurate {of utmost importance with scripture}
• Contextualized to the audience {drop the religious buzz words, i.e. use 'close followers' instead of 'disciples'}
• Transferable {trying to start a chain reaction of information}
• Simple {less than 3 minutes}