Sonlight Homeschooling Blog

Sep. 26, 2013

The best time of year ...

By Judy

Many people look forward to Spring every year, because it's a time of new beginnings. Others claim that Christmas is their favorite time of year ... with all the decorations and music and good food and secrets. In our small group yesterday, the leader asked us to share our favorite time of year. Hands down, autumn is the very best time of year, in my opinion.

Here in upstate NY fall rolled in on Sunday with crisp temperatures and changing leaves. As I took a deep breath of bonfires and ripening apples that afternoon, I pondered why I so enjoy this time of year. Lots of reasons came to mind, but many of them had to do with the great fun we enjoyed in our homeschool when this season rolled around.

I always loved to find ways to make our homeschooling come alive, and this time of year presented so many opportunities. Science was especially fun during the fall months. Books like The Berenstain Bears' Big Book of Science and Nature and The Year at Maple Hill Farm were favorites during this time of year. Long hikes and visits to the local apple farm made for perfect field trips, and canning and freezing of the produce we grew and harvested created not only an effective science learning experience, but also developed valuable life skills.

Whether this is your favorite season or not, with just a bit of creativity, it is relatively easy to find opportunities enrich your Science studies. If you're not currently using a formal Science curriculum, check out Sonlight's Explorations in Science mini-programs. They are a great way to use hands-on activities to introduce your children to the world around them. But if curriculum materials aren't currently in your budget, learn to look for ways to utilize the current season to spice up your studies.

Still on the journey ...
~Judy Wnuk
Sonlight Customer Champion

Tagged autumn, field trips, science | Leave a comment

Sep. 25, 2013

Five Ways to Recover from a Bad Homeschool Day

By Luke

We don't like to talk about our bad days. It's not uplifting. We see all too clearly how desperately we need grace. Bad days poke at our insecurities. But bad days there are. Here are five ways to recover from a bad day of homeschooling.

1. Laugh
One of the best ways to rebound from a bad day is to find the humor in it. We may never giggle about certain situations, but Jane's photo about how some homeschooling days are made me smile. It's rarely fun or funny in the moment, but it may be hilarious in the light and mercies of a new morning.

2. Seek Forgiveness and Forgive
When I lose my cool or say something I shouldn't, I find I want to stay there. I sulk for two reasons: 1. If I let it go, it reminds me that I should have done that in the first place, and 2. I have to ask for forgiveness. I hate that part. It knocks my pride and is awkwardly uncomfortable. But it's also the best way to resolve conflict. It gives us opportunities to reconnect with the people we've wronged.

By the same token, if one of your children wronged you, forgive them. Forgiveness lets us move on. Don't let bitterness ruin another day. As one who is still learning to forgive, I know how this can be hard.

3. Take Advantage of Your Homeschool's Flexibility
In other words: Take a break. You control your schedule so if a subject has you pinned to the floor, just stop. Don't do it today. Pick it up again tomorrow... or next week. You can't do this forever, but walking away for a spell can work wonders. Some days require that you go outside and play.

4. Look to the Future
Your kids will not remember any of this.

That's good news. If they learn, from you, how to forgive and move on (see #2), they won't bother to keep memories of the bad days. In fact, they're not likely to remember most of the details you teach them. This initially feels disheartening! But one of my high school teachers reminded me that the big ideas, life lessons, and habits of thought are far more important than all the facts and figures I would forget from his class.

Today, I don't think I remember a single detail he taught me. But I'm absolutely better for his teaching.

The daily lessons aren't nearly as important as how your children develop. There will be gaps in their education. But if they have learned to love learning and are growing into the person God wants them to be, the meltdown over spelling words snaps into perspective.

5. Don't Believe the Lies
It's easy to get burdened by a bad homeschool day because we believe things about homeschooling that simply aren't true. Take a moment and revisit the five myths homeschool moms believe. We know these are myths, but the false messages can still creep into our minds. It's good to be reminded of the truth.

How do you recover from a bad day of homeschooling?

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Guardian

Tagged challenges, discouraged, forgiveness, life | 5 Comments

Sep. 24, 2013

Preschool Fun

By Karla

This fall I'm teaching a preschool class at our homeschool co-op. When I volunteered for this class I had fond notions of eight cute little faces gathering around to listen to me read classic favorite storybooks about Curious George and Peter Rabbit and Little Bear. What I hadn't taken into account is that the preschool class includes both 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds... and some of those 3-year-olds are very young 3-year-olds. Which means their attention spans are pretty much nil.

The class has turned out to be more of a challenge than I anticipated, but like a grandma, I just have them for an hour, and then they go home with their mommies. I'm enjoying coming up with a wide variety of learning activities for the class, gleaning some age-appropriate developmental activities from our Fiction, Fairy Tales and Fun Parent's Companion. I never know what will go over well, and what won't. I'm also finding that it varies day-to-day, definitely keeping me on my toes!

This experience reminds me of a question homeschool mothers often ask me: "What can I do with my toddler while I'm trying to teach the school-age children?"

My favorite response: "School in a bag!"

You'll need a nice sturdy box (the kind that copier paper comes in is a great size) and several gallon-size zipper bags. Fill each bag with materials for one activity, and then put your bags in the box. Save this box only for during "school time."

Some of my favorite ideas:

A handful of pipe cleaners and some chunky beads or buttons… or if your little one still has a tendency to put things in his mouth, provide a handful of Cheerios or Fruit Loops!
A small cookie sheet with some alphabet or picture magnets
Touch-and-feel or lift-the-flap books
Preschool-style jigsaw puzzles
Inexpensive stickers from the dollar store or just colored dots from an office supply store and a spiral notebook to stick them in.
Play-dough (It's easy to make your own!)
Blunt scissors with scraps of construction paper
Extra-large crayons with a coloring sheet

The possibilities are endless. You'll probably want to add new bags from time-to-time, and "retire" some for awhile to bring out again later.

Plop the Little Guy in his high chair with the tray and give him the contents of one bag to play with while you sit at the table and teach your older children. (Note: Take the activity out of the plastic bag before you give it to your child. The bags are just for storage, not to play with.) The high chair helps restrain him and gives him a nice play surface. When he gets bored trade bags with him. If he has a tendency to go through them too fast, set a timer for whatever length of time seems reasonable to you and tell him he gets to trade when the timer goes off. You should have enough bags in your box to keep him occupied for an hour or so by rotating bags with him.

Have fun with your sweet little one! These years go by very fast!

Enjoying the adventure,
~Karla Cook
Lifelong Learner

Tagged books, hands on, Homeschooling, learning, preschool, Teaching Tips | 2 Comments

Sep. 23, 2013

Debunking the Bunker Mentality

By Luke

One complaint leveled against homeschoolers is that we shelter our children, afraid (or unwilling) to expose them to things of this world. The reality is that sheltering children can be a very good thing. But there are times when it is not so good. The nudge to hide away from lies and bad ideas is subtly promoted throughout the homeschool world. The outcome of such an approach could be called "the bunker mentality." But rather than build a fortress to stand against an onslaught of error, I'd prefer to prepare children to step out into the fray, ready to provide answers and meet people where they are.

Out of the Bunker

We sit at my kitchen table. He is a brilliant young man who has rejected Christianity. The only way he could accept a god, he tells me, is if "god" was everything. It makes sense from where he's coming from, but leads to a rather odd, meaningless version of pantheism. We're talking about religion, and he makes some crack about people who reject evolution.

"Hang on," I interject. "Before we go on to say how ignorant Young Earth Creationists are, let's talk about evolution. It really bothers me how no one bothers to define that term. Are we talking about descent with modification, common descent, or abiogenesis?"

He's unaware of any such distinction within the theory. So we talk about it. And I learn that matter/anti-matter are often observed popping in and out of existence, pointing to the possibility that stuff--energy/matter--can be created out of nothing. (I can't find any clear links on this subject, so if you've read anything about this that an average person like me could understand, please share!)

Super cool.

Also interesting, he's no longer interested in talking about stupid religious people.

Growing up with Sonlight, I learned that it was good to question and discuss and find answers--even if the answers are incomplete. My faith is grounded in a belief that truth will win out and I don't have to fear wrestling with ideas. This makes science--good science--an ally. This makes questions opportunities to discover (and share) truth. This opens the world to be a place to learn more about God. And it allows me to be an active ambassador of Christ, not a fearful individual holed up in a bunker somewhere. And with a strong desire to share the love and truth of Christ, being able to step outside a Christian "bubble" is essential.

My parents helped me develop this desire to reach out instead of hunker down.

And you can do the same with your kids.

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Guardian

P.S. Interested in exploring a homeschool curriculum that empowers you to have meaningful discussions with your children and prepare them to thrive in the world they will encounter? Check out Sonlight's homeschool curriculum.

Tagged Christianity, discussion, education, ideas, philosophy, science | 4 Comments

Sep. 20, 2013

Prepare Your Child to Change the World for the Better

By Luke

When you think about your child, what do you want the impact of their life to be? Do you imagine them as a winsome ambassador for Christ? Do you envision their future loving and lovely family? Do you see them doing amazing work in, say, math, art, science, business, technology, media, medicine, or otherwise? Is your child passionate about sharing Christ with others? Are they driven to serve and love others the way Christ did? Whatever you imagine their future to be, I pray your child changes the world for the better.

That's my prayer not only for the children I know--those we teach in Sunday School, those I chat with at youth group, the kids who come to Movie Night--but also for myself. The men and women I learned about in Sonlight inspired me to want to impact others for Christ, wherever God has me. This missions-minded focus--overseas or at home--permeates my thinking. I am thrilled to interact with people who think and believe differently than me. I'm not afraid to tackle tough subjects. I love the opportunity to share truth and grace with the people God brings into my life! The men and women of God who modeled this for me, though my years of Sonlight, played a huge role in developing a heart for the world (locally and globally).

The people your child will meet and learn from in Sonlight's homeschool curriculum are excellent role models and inspiration for how we can all walk in faith and grace and love. But in the last few years we've been able to take part in yet another opportunity to connect with God's heart for people around the globe. I firmly believe one of the most important things we do at Sonlight is the giving projects. These things don't make the company money. They don't sell Sonlight. But they do match our mission and vision perfectly. These are chances to learn and make a positive impact on others. This is missions and giving, two of the foundational ideas behind Sonlight.

And I know we've been talking a lot about this year's Lost in India Adventure. And I don't want to bombard you with yet another message about it. If you're not interested in signing up or joining in, no problem. But I wanted to remind you--if you procrastinate like I do--that today is your last chance to sign up and be sure to get your Adventure Kit in time for the start of the videos.

There is no obligation to give. But if you want yet another chance to see your child's desire to make the world a better place grow, sign up. If your family does nothing but learn about what God is doing half way around the world, that's fantastic! And if you have a chance to take part in this, I think you'll discover joy in that as well.

No matter what ministries and organizations and people you support or partner with, may God continue to use you and your family to make the world a better place. Learn more about Lost in India here.

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Guardian

Tagged giving, missions | Leave a comment

Sep. 19, 2013

Please register for Lost in India!

By Sarita

I loved visiting Children's Bible Clubs last time we were in India. They meet wherever they can. One club gathered in a muddy alley between two buildings, next to flooded rice paddies.

But like all the clubs, John and I were so impressed with what we saw.

A Children's Bible Club in India, just like the ones you'll see in Lost in India.

The children sang with abandon, acted out the words to the songs and recited Bible verses. They clearly adored the young women leading their club. Children in the U.S. love VBS, and I think that love is multiplied in India. Children's Bible Clubs are the most fun these children have ever experienced.

Couple that with the absolute good news of the Gospel, and you have a winning combination.

I am convinced that Children's Bible Clubs change lives in India. They introduce children to Jesus, and the teachers bring joy and hope in many practical ways. More new churches spring up because of the Bible Clubs than through any other ministry Mission India sponsors. When little children come to know Jesus, they take the Good News home to their families who can't help but notice the difference in their children. With this newfound hope, their entire lives change.

I am also convinced that giving can change Sonlight children's hearts. One of Sonlight's goals is to help parents raise up children with a heart for the world. We try to accomplish this through missionary biographies, by focusing on global history and cultures, by praying for the lost, and by very purposefully bringing giving opportunities to our children.

I believe there is a direct link between giving and our hearts. Money is such a part of our lives. As we willingly open our hands in bringing an offering, God brings joy, an adjustment to our naturally selfish attitudes, and a greater compassion for the lost. All terrific fruit!

That's why I am so excited for Sonlight's newest giving project: Lost in India. (Sign up here.) I do hope you join us as we "travel" through India, learn about their culture and help bring the Good News to those who need it most. We're partnering with Mission India for the educational/giving adventure of the year. Join the 2,600 families who have already registered.

This is a wonderful opportunity for your children to participate in something bigger than themselves. They'll learn about a fascinating part of the world through videos, an "adventure kit" and lots of online extras. As we discover a culture so different from our own, we will also raise funds to send kids to Children's Bible Clubs throughout India. Two years ago, we raised enough to send 317,104 children to clubs. This year, we pray that number will be 350,000.

I'm also excited because this project will be just plain fun. After watching the opening trailer for Lost in India, I can't wait to see the rest of the footage.

I also love the double meaning behind the word "lost" in the project's title: Lost in India. While our tour-guide Chris is lost geographically as he travels throughout India, we are reminded of the many who are lost spiritually in this land. May the Lord multiply our collected nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars to impact the hearts and lives of many children (and their families) in India.

Please register today (or at least by September 20) in order to get your "adventure kit" before the videos launch October 8. Registration is completely free and you have no obligation to give.

I look forward to sharing the adventure with you!

Blessings,
Sarita

P.S. Curious about why Sonlight pursues these projects in the first place? Watch this video (at the bottom of the linked page) where I share my heart for international missions and for encouraging generosity among our children.

Tagged Bible, children, giving, global, missions | Leave a comment

Sep. 18, 2013

From Luke's Inbox: Why Shouldn't I Use Free Curriculum?

By Luke

I could offer my son a free, online education with K12 which would be easier on me. However, that would teach from the world's view. Is the benefit of homeschooling the education with a biblical worldview, or the morality of not being put with a majority of unchurched kids all day? Any insights or advice? Thanks

There are many, many benefits to homeschooling. Letting our children see the world through a biblical worldview is just one. We get to share God's heart for those who don't yet know Him. This global, missions-minded focus is something I love about Sonlight, both as a company and a curriculum.

It's true that there are free and taxpayer-funded homeschool curriculum options available to you. And families are taking advantage of these opportunities. But why doesn't everyone switch over to the "free" options? You can always supplement whatever is lacking in a program, right? One of the biggest reasons for choosing a curriculum that requires an investment--like Sonlight--over a lower-cost option is that with Sonlight, you and your family will love homeschooling. We guarantee it. And which is the better choice? Clawing your way through school because it's free and/or easy, or experiencing the joy of learning together? You can get a fine education either way. But, for me, a lifelong love of learning is worth every penny and second you put into it.

I don't think you meant to imply that it's immoral to spend time with unchurched people. But it could be that your child is not yet ready for those kinds of interactions and influences. I've shared about laying a foundation for high school on this blog, and the concepts are transferable to any age. I've written quite a bit about this subject, and this post offers further reading if you're interesting in more of my thoughts. Everyone needs to know of Christ's love, and Romans 10:14 echoes in my mind. May we, and our children, become people who are able to share this wonderful message with those who have not heard! This may be the perfect opportunity to help build up your child for this kind of outreach later in life.

That said, is Sonlight for everyone? Absolutely not! In fact, we gladly publish 27 Reasons NOT to Buy Sonlight. I urge you to at least skim through the article to make certain that Sonlight will be a good fit for your family. If not, please find something that will work. I'm far more interested in you having a great homeschool experience than selling you curriculum. If you do decide to go with one of Sonlight's curriculum packages, you are covered by our Love to Learn, Love to Teach Guarantee. We are serious about making sure you find something that fits your family.

If you have any other questions, I suggest you chat with a Sonlight Homeschool Advisor. Advisors are Sonlight moms who can answer your questions, speak from personal experience, and help you find the materials that will be best for your family.

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Guardian

Tagged choosing, curriculum, guarantee, inbox, options, school | Leave a comment

The best time of year ...

Five Ways to Recover from a Bad Homeschool Day

Preschool Fun

Debunking the Bunker Mentality

Prepare Your Child to Change the World for the Better

Please register for Lost in India!

From Luke's Inbox: Why Shouldn't I Use Free Curriculum?

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