Antartica

In our homeschool we're finishing up our study of  My Father's World's "Exploring Countries and Cultures" this week, after a year and a half of study.  We could've completed the study in a years time, but  we were not always consistent with doing geography each day. I'm okay with that!

Bethany has always loved Geography and has an excellent working knowledge of the world and how God laid it out. She can name way more countries than I can. Easy.  Daniel didn't used to like maps or geography, but as a result of our studies, he's become much more informed and curious about the world he lives in.  I've loved watching him grow in his knowledge of the world, and in his abilities to use the tools we have to learn more. 

We'll watch this movie to see the Emperor Penguins of Antarctica. I thought the children would really enjoy this film.  Here's yet another video. I'm wondering what makes the penguin decide to walk or slide?  Here is a glossary of penguin terms that may be helpful. Oh, gee whiz, just pop some popcorn and call it a movie day. Here's another video.

The first movie is about 10 minutes long. Watch it if you're curious. There's no dialogue, rather there is plenty of footage of penguins being penguins. You may want to put on your sweater though. It's chilly in Antarctica!

We'll do some mapping activites, and we'll also do some crossword puzzles and word searches. The children love those.  Here's the link that we're using for the puzzles and word searches.

We love the resources that My Father's World has provided for our studies. After this more specific overview of what we'll be studying this week, I am remembering all of  the fun we've had learning through Exploring Countries and Cultures.

This Is Why

How we spend our time has a silent ripple effect. Though the pebble makes a slight noise when it's first dropped into the water, the ripples continue outwardly from where the pebble first dropped. As we began our day of rain, reading, and breakfast - all together in the living room, I couldn't help but stop and ask what affect this would have? What contribution is this one solitary moment destined to make in the future of the children who are sitting with me? I cannot know the answer. But I can be very sure that it will be of affect, and that fills my heart with immeasurable joy. I nearly feel unworthy to have this time, but the gratitude I have outweighs the consideration of worth having anything to do with this. I had to stop to consider this and to make a note of it as I did not want the moment to pass with no record of it.

This is why we homeschool.  

The young man who was helping make fruit kabobs and humming slightly out of tune is now guiding his spaceships toward their secret landing pad somewhere in the living room. From one glorious moment to a tense emergency; such  is the life of one that I love. And such is the blessing of motherhood.

The Gift of Gab

It helps to have chatty friends. Bethany, who can  be chatty, typically is quiet. A sweet friend called her today and asked her about owning a hamster. Bethany's hamster, Dusty, died about a month ago, but Bethany was eager to share anyway.

Bethany did all kinds of reading before and during her ownership of a hamster. She also saved most of the money to maintain a good life for her hamster. Bethany paid for all of her food and bedding and extra toys that made Dusty's life special.

This momma was thrilled when someone called who was interested in Bethany's learned expertise. I especially enjoyed observing Bethany so at ease in her conversation.

The one and only Andy Williams died today. I loved his voice as a child. It seemed to have a quality and an essence that I'm challenged to put into words. His Christmas shows had me spellbound. Here is his recording of "Moon River."

From the perspective of pure numbers, here's a picture of homeschooling, compliments of the HSLDA, Homeschool Legal Defense Association.
Via: DegreeSearch.org

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

One of the wonderful parts of homeschooling is the opportunity for trust to develop between child and parent. Here, they can share their frustrations and insecurities. 

I don't always have the answers, I don't know why summarizing a story is hard for one, but not for the other, but I can encourage them and say, "You know, I don't know why it seems hard, but we're going to get this. Let's keep trying! You can do it." In doing this, I teach and make every effort to reflect God's heart toward this one He created. What if they never *get it*? I truly believe it's going to be alright. The Lord will give us the wisdom we need to go another way if that's what's best. This brings His peace to both of our hearts as a result. 

It's not always been this way. I've had to learn that this is His response for our household in this hour. It could be another exhortation altogether tomorrow. As I draw closer to the Lord today, He is able to help my heart hear the words He would speak were He sitting there with us in person. This is my on the scene testimony for today.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, My Father.