Sonlight Homeschooling Blog

Jul. 24, 2013

The Best Response

By Jonelle

I've been thinking about friends, about people on the web, about comments on Facebook, and how we treat people in everyday life. And I'm surprised at how ugly things can get.

I was around a different group than normal a bit ago and I was shocked at how they spoke to one another. In their disagreement, there was no hint of kindness. I get that things can be heated--that people have opinions and want their perspective to be heard--but, can't we try to at least approach one another with kindness? General respect?

I have had (and I'm sure will continue to have!) my moments with friends and family. There are times when things are hard and we make comments we regret afterwards. But then, as adults, and, more importantly, as Christians, we have the opportunity to apologize and make amends.

I think it is great to stand strong in what we believe. I don't believe we need to bend backwards or cave to every new whim or opposition against us or what we believe. But, I think we can behave more like the Rock we are founded on, instead of a muddy river that tosses slop onto everyone we encounter.

I frequently don't know how to respond to meanness, to judgement, or opinions that leave no room for true discussion or peaceful disagreement. Even here, in my vague blog, there are so many different situations that we run into I'm sure I'm missing one. But, in all the instances in life, wouldn't we be better off to listen to the advice of James when he says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires" (NIV, James 1:19-20). I desire to be righteous. I desire to treat others kindly, with love and grace. So, it's a good reminder to me to pause a moment before I hit reply. Before I start a conversation that deep down I know won't benefit anyone.

When I was in college, my pastor did a sermon on this passage and he passed out buttons to everyone. I kept that button in my coat pocket (and, going to school in Ohio, I wore it all the time, even inside) and I felt it constantly. It was such a good tangible reminder to zip it up for a bit. Just be still. Respond when the time is right.

Until next time,
Jonelle

Tagged discussion, family, forgiveness | Leave a comment

Jul. 23, 2013

Important Children

By Karla

Perhaps the most famous baby in the world right now is the little prince who was born yesterday in England. For weeks I've noticed the supermarket tabloid headlines speculating about... well, just about anything that could possibly be speculated about the soon-to-arrive royal baby. And now, we're all waiting to find out what his name will be. He's a Very Important Baby, you know.

I have to admit, I'm probably as interested as the next person in what the royals are up to. I don't know why we find them so endlessly fascinating, but there you have it.

I was thinking, though, that my own children (no longer babies) are much more important to me than any royal baby anywhere. They wouldn't be a bit more precious to me if they were third in line to the throne. And that's as it should be. I'm their mother, and that's just how mothers are.

Several years ago I was convicted to pray regularly and often for my children when our pastor reminded us parents, "No one else is as interested in your children as you are. No one will pray for them more than you will." It hadn't occurred to me before that part of my responsibility as a parent is actually to be the primary pray-er for the souls that had been entrusted to my care. It was a sobering thought. And so, I pray.

By the same token, I've come to realize that I know my children better than anyone else. That alone qualifies me to be their best teacher. Over the years, of course, I've called on various instructors and professionals to come alongside me as I've educated my children. Help and encouragement from other sources has been invaluable as my husband and I have made decisions regarding parenting and education. I am grateful that we had the opportunity and means to homeschool, because that has allowed me to spend even more time with my children and be involved in their lives in a way that wouldn't be possible with a classroom education.

You know, now that I think of it, I almost feel sorry for the royal family. Probably the little prince will be cared for by nannies and tutors, or something. I have no doubt that his parents love him dearly, but I expect other important responsibilities will prohibit them from being as involved in his life as they might like. Personally, I'm happy to just be a common mother with average children. I'm blessed!

Enjoying the adventure,
~Karla Cook
Lifelong Learner

Tagged Encouragement, family, Homeschooling, parenting | 1 Comment

Jul. 22, 2013

How Will the Common Core Affect Standardized Testing?

By Luke

Karen asked a great question after reading my post on Sonlight and the Common Core:

Will the revisions of the standardized tests and college entrance exams become so curriculum-specific as to set up independent learners for failure? Even if our standards may exceed theirs, we may not even read the same books or study the same criteria per grade level! How can we prepare our kids best to pass these tests?

I am most assuredly not an expert. But having read a bit about the Common Core State Standards, here's what I understand to be the case:

I know many people--including, for example, teachers and the College Board--are still trying to figure out the impact of CCSS and how to address the issues that are surfacing. So you are not alone! I am not aware of what changes are actually coming to the standardized tests. I haven't read anything on that topic, specifically.

Something to keep in mind: The Common Core State Standards do not dictate curriculum changes. They set a standard--a rather low one, if I'm reading things correctly--and publishers, teachers, and school districts merely need to meet those standards. I think SteveH makes a great point in the comments of this post: "...the standards are so vague that educators use them to justify whatever they want..." So, at the moment, I am not concerned about any specific information that will be tested that homeschoolers will somehow miss.

In other words: Standardized tests should not, under CCSS, suddenly be about making sure you've read the "right" books. Homeschooling will continue to prepare children for academic success. And if you're thinking about college, Judy has a great post where she shares some insights from her experience with high school and beyond as a homeschooler.

Hope that helps alleviate some of your concerns!

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

P.S. I try to keep up on this kind of thing, but I may not read the same blogs/education news sites you do. If you have any input, I would very much appreciate it!

Tagged Testing | Leave a comment

Jul. 19, 2013

Summer Tunes

By Judy

It has been said that Music has charms to soothe the savage breast (William Congreve). The phrase came to mind yesterday evening as I was returning home from our church praise team practice. My week has been full of struggles and dilemmas, and yet as I drove home last night, I found my mind full of the songs we had been practicing and noticed that my spirits had lifted considerably.

Not to take away from the simple benefits of praising God, I think there is truth to the saying I quoted above. Music brings with it the innate benefit of calming a troubled heart and bringing joy to the listener. King Saul certainly found it to be so as he often enjoyed David's musical talents.

All that to say ... summer is a wonderful time to weave a little music into the lives of your students. If you are not, by nature or training, a musician, don't give up on finding ways to expose your children to good music. Sonlight's Summer Explorations has some great options for music appreciation ... perfect for a lazy day at the park or a long summer vacation drive.

My children especially enjoyed the Classical Kids Collection. It brought to life some long-dead classical composers and generated a real interest in their work. The Story of the Orchestra is a fun way to introduce younger children to various instruments and well-known orchestral music.

So no more "I'm bored mom!" Pop in a CD and let your kids fill their summer afternoons with a new-found joy in great music. Who knows ... you may unearth a budding interest in music that would benefit from instrumental instruction this fall.

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

Tagged appreciation, music, orchestra, summer | Leave a comment

Jul. 17, 2013

Terrible Customer Service

By Luke

It was the middle of my workday when my phone interrupted me. On the other end was a company I had severed ties with in favor of another option that was half the price for identical service. I told the girl as much.

"I understand," she said. "But we don't let people cancel by letter. This is a courtesy call to inform you that we won't be canceling your service or refunding your money."

What?

"So how do I cancel and get my money back?" I wanted to know. "You have my signature on the piece of paper in front of you. I clearly want out."

"We don't let people cancel by letter."

"So--what--you need me to hang up and call you back?"

"My supervisor is nearby. Please read between the lines."

I had my answer. "What's your phone number?" A minute later--less time than I had spent deciphering the cryptic courtesy call--I had canceled my service and was told I would get a full refund. I was pleased about keeping my money, but the whole experience was absurd and frustrating. I felt like I was part of a Dilbert cartoon:

Ratbert: I'm a powerless rodent

Every time I have a terrible customer service experience, it makes me glad that Sonlight has a different approach. We're here to help. When you talk to Customer Relations, you're in touch with someone who has been authorized to help you. When you chat with a Sonlight Advisor, you're connecting with a homeschool mom who is there to help you find the right materials for your family. And if you discover--halfway through the year--that a different Core program would be better for your family, we have you covered with the Love to Learn, Love to Teach Guarantee.

I am thrilled with all the tools you have to ensure your homeschool experience is a success. You can find a community on the Sonlight Forums and a happy throng over on Facebook. And if I can be of any help, please let me know.

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

Tagged advisor, guarantee | 1 Comment

Jul. 16, 2013

Why Pray in Your Homeschool

By Luke

Prayer can change lives--including your own. I was very much encouraged by Mandy's post How the Gospel Changes Prayer. And Se7en provided 7 ways to make God part of your daily (homeschool) life. Even if you haven't been thinking about prayer lately, you should find both posts encouraging.

Personally, I've been challenged lately to turn to God when things get overwhelming. This is often related to the spiritual discipline of meditation. I get so caught up in what's going on that I have a tendency to forget to look to Christ. But if I take a moment to thank God for His sacrifice, to consider His creation, to remember His provision, I find I am a little more relaxed. And praying in these moments helps me change my attitude.

I appreciate that Sonlight offers time to pray each morning and that we can stop to pray any time something comes up. I think this is a very healthy perspective to have in work. It's also something I should do more often at home.

Pray

So why pray in your homeschool? Here are the things rattling around in my head today--inspired by the linked posts above:

Prayer reminds me that--through Christ--I can draw near to God
Prayer encourages me to seek God's will in a situation
Prayer sets my focus outward
Prayer offers perspective as I consider the needs of others
Prayer links me with other believers as I intercede with and for them
Prayer allows me to stop running and rest
Prayer--in a group--allows me to learn from others as they pray
Prayer gives me a chance to ask for more wisdom
Prayer can change lives ...like mine

Has prayer been on your mind recently as well? Were you encouraged by Mandy and Se7en's posts?

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

Tagged prayer | 1 Comment

Jul. 15, 2013

The Benefits of Discussing a Story Together

By Luke

As a homeschool family, you have many opportunities to see how your kids are doing. But even with that close connection, sometimes it's difficult to get down to core ideas and beliefs. This is where discussing stories together can be so powerful.

In one of the Sonlight titles--Peace Child(?)--the passage about Judas betraying Jesus was met with cheers. Why? That culture celebrated backstabbing. It was even better if you could get the person to think you were a friend. So Judas using a kiss to turn in Christ was the epitome of success. Talk about fundamental differences in perspective!

Even in small areas, discussing stories can reveal things near and dear to your child's heart. Is he moved with compassion for the injured animal? Is she stirred by the injustice of the situation? Does the description of how things were built then spark his imagination? Does she want to try her hand at making the meal depicted in that passage? Can he not stop talking about a particular situation in the book? Does she still make up stories associated with that moving passage? Those are ways to see how God has made and gifted your children. And I think those are great hints to where you may want to point your children to fly.

As you discuss the stories you read together, you may discover that you didn't read the same book. You may catch one theme and your child may have caught another. That's one of the things I like about great literature: There is depth you can explore together.

Did you have any conversations or insights come up while you were reading stories together this last year?

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

P.S. Peace Child and Out of the Dust are both titles in Sonlight's Core 100 program.

Tagged books, discussion, literature, stories | 2 Comments

The Best Response

Important Children

How Will the Common Core Affect Standardized Testing?

Summer Tunes

Terrible Customer Service

Why Pray in Your Homeschool

The Benefits of Discussing a Story Together

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