Sonlight Homeschooling Blog

Aug. 5, 2013

Suffrage: What Did You Learn from History?

By Luke

They are an incredibly brilliant couple. One is studying some kind of computer engineering. The other is now pursuing a degree in medicine. Both are in fields with labels so advanced I can't even recall the titles.

They hadn't seen Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration (a example of a parody infinitely better than the original). From there we linked to Bad Romance: Women's Suffrage video.^* [NB: Like the original Bad Romance, this video has some less-than-happy imagery. Please preview it before showing children.]

As the video came to a close, she said, "That probably would have been more engaging if we knew more about that part of history."

I agreed. The characters in the Declaration of Independence are well-known. But the women portraying the suffrage movement were not familiar faces. "But," I said, "you know some of the history, right?"

They both looked at me blankly. "We know there was an amendment," she said.

He nodded. "They didn't teach us more than that in school."

It was my turn to consider. In my high school and college American History classes, did we ever discuss this part of history? Not that I recall.

Crazy.

These are the times I wish I had been able to use Sonlight's high school programs. Core 300 tackles suffrage and more. If you've used Core 300, did you recognize what was going on in the video?

As usual, I wanted to learn more. So I started digging. I clicked over to the video creators' page about suffrage but found little useful information. Most of it, in fact, was so "classroomified" that it numbed my brain. So I pulled out Sonlight's incredibly accessible biography on the subject, but I haven't had time to read the whole thing (let alone discuss it, which is often the best part).

The things that are currently bumping around in the back of my mind:

People use God to promote all kinds of bad ideas. This is certainly not new. Christ took issue with the religious scholars of His day who did much the same. This should be humbling to us today who, for various reasons, presume to have it all figured out. May we humbly follow Him and not simply our traditions!
I think it's ironic that Congress shut down women's right to vote in Utah after the government's attempt to reduce polygamy by that method failed. To read more about how/why women support polygamy, check out the fascinating National Geographic article The Polygamists.
I'm becoming more and more curious about the shifts and twists within the Republican and Democratic parties over the years. In the last century, things have changed that make the voting records strange for us today. Since keeping a humble attitude before God when it comes to our interpretation of Scripture is important to me, I'm not big on "voting a party line" either. Definitely something to keep learning about.
There is so much more to learn about history. But I like that even YouTube videos can spark an interest. As life-long learners, there are so many opportunities to discover more!

What did you learn about women's suffrage in school? Any knowledge-acquisition-inspiring videos you've seen recently you'd care to share?

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

*I don't know what it is about Lady Gaga, but Bad Romance seems particularly useful for teaching history. I blogged about Revolution in France two and a half years ago.

Tagged American history, Bible, high school, politics | 4 Comments

Aug. 1, 2013

Additive or Preservative?

By Judy

I love to cook and bake and try new recipes. That can be a good or bad thing, depending on whether or not you're on the receiving end of my experimenting. :) One aspect of good food preparation is the spices that you add to enhance the flavor of the end product. Wise use of additives can bring out subtle nuances in food flavor, and accent the inherent qualities of whatever you're cooking. Over-use can destroy a dish by drowning out flavors and over-powering the natural goodness of the food you're preparing.

Preserving food is also an important practice. The ability to lock in that natural goodness of the beans and carrots growing in my garden, makes winter-time meal preparation much easier and the end product more enjoyable.

These thoughts started rolling around in my head a week or so ago as I sat eating dinner with an amazing group of ladies God has brought into my life. An accountability group of sorts, we get together and talk about life issues, spiritual struggles, and how God is working in our relationships. One of the women picked up the salt shaker off the table and joked that she added the "spice" to our group, while some of the rest of us were better at "preserving" the peace and continuity among us. As much as I love word pictures, and am constantly watching for them in my life, this one jumped out at me!

The analogy caused me to stop and think ... am I more of an additive or preservative in my relationships? Is there more value in being one over the other? Or are they equally as important? Certainly, spicy food won't last nearly as long if it's not preserved, and preserved food will be pretty bland without the benefit of flavor enhancement. But I also suspect both can be "over-used" ... balance is definitely the key. Scripture talks about both "salt that has lost its saltiness" and "preserving unity", so both are important from God's perspective.

So now I'm thinking about the various relationships with which God has blessed me. Are there ways I can add "spice" that will enhance my interactions with my children? Are there things I can do to "preserve" my relationship with my husband or other family members? What "additives" can I offer that will enhance the character qualities I see in my friend?

I challenge you this summer to think about your relationships. While your mind is free from the normal responsibilities that come with the school year, consider where you might add spice or preservatives in your interactions with others. Encourage each other and build each other up ... (I Thessalonians 5:11)

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

Tagged Encouragement | 2 Comments

Jul. 31, 2013

Looking Good or Showing Grace?

By Luke

Something was wrong. A peer had just refused to talk to me about his problems because I was "too perfect" and wouldn't be able to relate to him.

I couldn't respond to that.

Looking back, I think the problem was that I spent too much time trying to act "like a Christian." I should have been trying to act like Christ and also consistently share about my insatiable need for His grace. See, I had taken the verse admonishing me to set an example as a call to look good. And in so doing, I had made it about me instead of Jesus. I'm not the only one. I found Emily Freeman's post "one thing your daughter doesn't need you to say" to be an uplifting exhortation (that applies to sons as well <smile>).

It's not that we shouldn't set an example. It's that the example people need to see is Christ at work in us. They need to see Him. When we put on a mask and pretend to have it all together--almost as if we no longer need a Savior now that we have been saved--we can cover up the grace He is pouring into our lives. I did. And I regret it.

Halo

Asking for forgiveness is really hard for me to do. I don't think I really sought forgiveness from someone I had wronged until I was in high school. But that's just one painful example of how to clearly see I need grace.

I fail. I don't always act like Christ. But by His grace, He is forming into His image. And His mercies are new for me every day. I would like to encourage you to forego the pretense of looking good. Strive to be like Christ, and let others see His grace at work in you when you--like me--fail to do so.

What things do you do to show your children--and others--Christ at work in you?

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

Tagged Encouragement, forgiveness, grace | 4 Comments

Jul. 26, 2013

Feeling Stressed about the School Year?

By Luke

School begins again soon. Her Senior year. With it, her future looms ominously. She feels ill-prepared or--at best--clueless. What does she want to study? What college should she attend? What should she do with the rest of her life?

I am all too familiar with the feeling of panic a new school year drops on us. I realize you may be experiencing the weight of the future yourself. Not your future, of course; your student's. As you look at the box of Kindergarten supplies, do you, like Kate, feel very overwhelmed? If so, you are most assuredly not alone.

Be encouraged. Are your children clamoring to start school right this very moment? That's a sign you're doing it right. Do you remember your family's favorite book(s) from last year? There's something to that: You--and your children--loved that book! Did one of your children recently demonstrate trickle down learning? Homeschooling works. You CAN do this. And as much as I dislike the lesson, it's important that I remember that learning is the process, not the end result (totally infuriating, I know).

So, come on! Jump in. Continue to provide an education that is not common, but rather free from the constructs of those in political power (see 20:40 to 23:10). It's not that I fear the efforts of policy makers and education lobbyists. Homeschooling is just such a fantastic opportunity, I think this uncommon approach is something to celebrate. In other words, homeschooling is not negative. And that's great!

What encouraging things have you seen in your family that help you be excited for the coming year?

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Empty Nester

Tagged Encouragement, Homeschooling | Leave a comment

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

Suffrage: What Did You Learn from History?

Additive or Preservative?

Looking Good or Showing Grace?

Feeling Stressed about the School Year?

The Best Response

Important Children

How Will the Common Core Affect Standardized Testing?

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