Hurricane Fundraiser

Please join us tomorrow in our effort to help raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Bloggers around the world (or at least the states) will be blogging for their favorite charities who've signed-on to this relief effort.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley


www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Week in Review

Found a few interesting items around the web this week. If you live in New York or Ohio you may enjoy Around in 80 Days which fosters learning about your state (from a Christian perspective) via field trips.

If you want a first hand look at the war in Iraq you need to check out this amazing blog by journalist Michael Yon as he follows the Deuce Four unit in Iraq. CAUTION!! This is a very realistic look and it's graphic in spots. It's adult in nature unless you have a very mature teenager who can handle such things. Parents should definitely view this first to see whether those who are 16+ could handle it. Even if only the adults read this, it really gives you a feel for the sacrifice our troops are making there.

Any Napolean Dynamite fans out there. My oldest is taking World History AP through PA Homeschoolers. The students have access to an interactive web site that's amazing. They also chat via message board. One of the posts my son shared with the rest of the family was this "Star Wars" spoof of "Napolean Dynamite." Click here to watch the movie.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Personality Tests

The beginning of a school year is always a good time for reflection. I'm goal setting and trying to come up with a workable plan for accomplishing those goals that fits our lifestyle and individual personalities. That's what led me to take a couple of personality tests. Pretty Interesting. I generally don't like personality tests. I never seem to fit into one distinct category.

These tests are fun though. Take the results for what they're worth.

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I also took a "Parenting Test" at Christianet.com. What I like about their tests is they start from the same premise as I do. That we have been created by God. And, we are individuals, each uniquely designed. Therefore, no one is going to fit any one personality type. Instead, we are a blend. The parenting test listed four parenting styles: Principal, Teacher, Evaluator, and Friend. Then, upon answering 25 questions, a percentage score was given for each of these styles--i.e. you're 24%principal, 16% teacher, etc. They then give helpful suggestions for using this information, explaining how each of the styles might handle various situations and so forth.

I'm still not sure I'm totally sold on this stuff. It was fun though. Reminded me of my teen years -- filling out the quizzes in a magazine was always more fun than reading the articles.

I wonder what that says about my personality?! Hmmmmmmmm.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

17th Wedding Anniversary!

Today is a VERY special day. It is our 17th wedding anniversary. Even more special is the fact that it's Saturday. Meaning exactly 17 years ago my sweet hubby and I were married.

One of the reasons we chose August 20th as our wedding date was because we are the third generation in my family to be married on this day. My parents and grandparents were also wedded on August 20th.

My parents have been married 62 years. Wow! Don't think we'll make that number. We got started too late. I'd be 97 if I lived to my 62nd wedding anniversary. Guess it depends on when God calls us home.

We usually celebrate our anniversaries together by going out to a really special restaurant. Our city has a number of great ones and we've enjoyed many fine meals and great fellowship. Today Mom Dad, Pat, and I are going to Claddagh's Irish Grill (Hey, we're Irish -- what do ya expect). It's renown for the various dining rooms all decorated from a different region of Ireland. The menu offers Shepherd's Pie, Steamed Mussels, Fish and Chips, Cobb Salad, etc. etc., and desserts to die for. Guess I won't be starting that diet today. Then, the hubby and I are off to a movie. Should be a good time.

It's always interesting to check out what gift is suggested for each anniversary. The 17th is Amethyst. However, the Chicago Public Library listed "Furniture" as the "modern" 17th anniversary gift. Have you ever wondered who decided what gift is appropriate for each anniversary? From my research the consensus seems to be that the gifts become more precious and lasting with each passing year of marriage - just like our relationships should!

But, for Christians marriage is even more significant. I found a wonderful article on the Focus on the Family site. In the article entitled "Lasting Love" by Susan Graham Mathis, Michael W. and Debbie Smith discuss their marriage. They had some terrific remarks. Here are my favorites:

"Covenant means you sign the dotted line -- that nothing comes in the way of it."
--- Michael W. Smith, Christian Music Artist

"I credit the Lord with keeping us strong. One key is having people pray for you, people who know what's going on in your life."
--- Debbie Smith, Michael's wife of 22 years

"A big part of marriage is giving, sacrificing, and being unselfish."
--- Michael complimenting his wife for having this attitude

A sidebar with this article was an excerpt from "The Marriage Masterpiece" by Al Janssen. He sums up the essence of marriage in such a beautiful way.

"Marriage is about something bigger than two people. The world takes notice when a man truly loves his wife the way Christ loves His church. There is a great celebration coming -- a Divine Wedding Feast -- when we will understand the complete part our individual marriages have within His masterpiece."
--- Al Janssen, "The Marriage Masterpiece"

My husband embodies this quote. He truly loves me as Christ loves His church. He is tender, giving, sacrificial, and yet strong -- almost all the time. He is so much better at it than I am. Still, he is never critical, but understanding and encouraging.

When I discuss picking a mate with my children (especially my daughter), I tell them to select someone who is a believer, who treats them with respect, who lifts them up instead of tearing them down -- i.e. Pick someone like your dad.

Happy 17th Anniversary, Sweetheart. I love the man you are through Christ. My prayer is that Christ will continue to strengthen me and make me your Christ-filled bride.


Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

A Review of Mock 'n' Roll --- Paul Aldrich

Who’s Paul Aldrich?” my teens asked as I popped the CD in the car player. “Not sure,” I answered. “He’s a Christian comedian. Let’s check it out.” “Are you ready to rock?” Paul Aldrich baits his live audience to begin the Mock ‘n’ Roll CD? “All right, go ahead,” he jests. It’s a cute quip that gets repeated several times during this award-winning performance.

What we weren’t prepared for was just how funny this guy is. Comedy is a strange beast. What parents find hilarious may not rock your teens’ world and vica versa. Plus, there’s that “I guess you had to be there” phenomena. A comedic live performance doesn’t always translate to a CD/DVD. Perhaps the truest ‘laugh meter’ test is whether you want to listen to the performance more than once. Do the laughs get old after a few plays or do they get louder? You could skip to the end of the review to get our "Final Answer." But, then you’d miss the in-depth analysis.

Turns out Paul Aldrich is a musical impressionist. Think Rich Little meets “Weird Al” Yankovic. Clever lyrical parodies are bolstered by Aldrich's ability to mimic the pop stars. One of the funniest bits is Paul performing TV theme songs as done by famous rockers.

Imagine Jimi Hendrix singing the Green Acres theme, Bono of U2 crooning about the Brady Bunch, or Roy Orbison warbling “Meet the Flinstones.” Very funny, as is Aldrich’s rock stars doing commercials segment (Jagger for Liposuction and Clapton for Rogaine anyone?!). Musical phases Aldrich went through (including Tom Petty, Michael Jackson, Adam Sandler, and Britney Spears) is also quite entertaining.

Every song demonstrates Paul Aldrich's talented guitar work. My personal favorite is a story using TV theme songs strummed on the guitar to enhance the plot (no singing this time). It’s hilarious. Parodies of hit songs include “Stairway to 7 Eleven” to Zeppelin's “Stairway to Heaven”and “Therapy” sung to the Beatles’ “Yesterday”. “The Mouse from Disneyland” parodies “The House of the Rising Sun.” And, “New Age California” remakes the Eagles’ “Hotel California.”

Aldrich has some great original tunes in addition to his parodies. Our favorite has to be “A Dyslexic Love Song” where Aldrich croons a tale of romance – backwards.

We’ve listened to Mock ‘n’ Roll so much that now we’re delivering the lines before Paul Aldrich does. You have to be at least thirteen, I think, to really get the humor, identify the songs, and appreciate the implied. My teens had to explain to me who Slim Shady was. And, I buttoned down "G-L-O-R-I-A" and "My Sharona".

While many Mock ‘n’ Roll moments are light, there is an underlying Christian message to every song. "It seemed like a Good Idea at the Time" describes many of the stupid things people do. Paul then gives a short testimony describing God's ability to transform our bad choices into something beautiful. This Aldrich immediately follows with the simple and yet thought-provoking “Altar Me.”

What did we think of Paul Aldrich’s Mock ‘n’ Roll CD? Our answer can be summed up with a question. Are you ready to laugh? Go ahead. You definitely will!

Disclaimer: This CD was provided free of charge from Mind and Media in exchange for my honest review. If you are interested in reviewing Christian products, please contact Stacy Harp at Mind and Media.

Do you like Christian parody? Linda's Music Reviews has tons of suggestions for more great titles in many Christian music categories, including parody.

There are also lots more laughs on my Family Funnies page.


Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Summer Fun

August 17 is Sand Castle Day. Wow, now there is an idea, I thought. Why not enjoy one last day of summer and take the kids to the beach? Well, okay, we don't live near a beach. But, we do live near a waterpark that has a sand beach. But, it's across town. Wait a minute. . .We have a sand box in the back yard. Yesss, that'll work.

I receive a weekly newsletter from Surf Net Kids There is always a plethora of great links and educational printables etc. for use with school. Today's issue was dedicated to Sand Castle Day. Check it out at www.surfnetkids.com/sandcastle.htm

There are lots of fabulous ideas. One of the most helpful was the eHOW web site. Are you guys familiar with this? It's billed as the site that has clear instructions on How to Do (just about) Everything. Here's the link for the How to Build a Sand Castle

eHOW has lots of helpful information. Two I found useful were (1) How to take lecture notes. (This one is for my oldest son who is taking two classes in College this year) and (2) How to find Biblical Information online.

For now, I'm off to pack a picnic lunch for our beach party in the back yard. Why don't you join us. This may be the last day we have to enjoy summer fun.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley


www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

11th Grade Curriculum Plan

I just sent in my notification forms for the 05-06 school year. In the past, we have used A Beka DVD's with some additonal fun thrown in via units, experiments, field trips, etc. This year is an almost total departure from this for many reasons. I'm still using the DVD's for my 6th grader (not next year though). But, for my 11th grader we've mapped out a VERY challenging, and yet exciting plan. I just hope we live through it. Here's his curriculum plan for next year:

Sean Kelley Curriculum Plan for 11th grade, 2005-06 school year

Geometry:

Textbook:

Geometry, McDougal Littell, 2004 edition

Additional Materials:

Standardized Test Practice Workbook, McDougal Littell
Graphing Calculator

Intended Curriculum:

Basics of Geometry, Reasoning and Proof,Perpendicular and Parallel Lines, Congruent Triangles, Properties of Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Transformations, Similarity, Right Triangles and Trigonometry, Circles, Area of Polygons and Circles, Surface Area and Volume, Graphing Calculator Exercises


Biology:

Textbook:

Exploring Creation with Biology, 2nd Edition, Apologia

Additional Materials:

Lab Equipment including Microscope Kit and Dissection Kit

Intended Curriculum:

This course will be taken via live-feed internet through The Potter’s School. Topics covered include Biology, The Study of Life; Kingdom Monera; Protista; Kingdom Fungi; The Chemistry of Life; The Cell; Cellular Reproduction; Genetics; Evolution; Ecosystems; The Invertebrates of the Kingdom Animalia; Pylum Arthropoda; Pylum Chordata; Kingdom Plantae; and Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals.


Latin:

Textbooks:

Lingva Latina, Familia Romana, by Hans H. Orberg
Lingva Latina, Exercitia Latina, by Hans H. Orberg
Lingva Latina, Latine Disco, by Hans H. Orberg
Lingva Latina, Latin-English Vocab: I, by Hans H. Orberg

Additional Materials:

Latin Vocabulary Cards, Visual Education
Lingva Latina, Familia Romana – CD

Intended Curriculum:

This course will be taken via live-feed internet through The Potter’s School. Students will acquire approx. 700 Latin vocabulary words and about half of the grammatical tools needed to read Classical Latin. They will manipulate words by changing suffixes, learn to read and translate complex sentences, and perform exercises which enable them to discuss Latin grammar using terminology the ancient Romans used. By the end of the year, most of the class will occur in Latin.


U.S. History

Textbooks:

U.S. History in Christian Perspective--Heritage of Freedom, Grade 11, Abeka Book

Intended Curriculum:

This course taken via Abeka DVD Academy. Topics covered include discovery of America, birth of a nation, growing as a nation, American character, expansion and conflict, age of Industry, world wars, depression, and global age (present day). The constitution and current events will also be covered.


A.P. World History

Textbooks:

World Civilizations: The Global Experience, 4th Edition, special A.P edition, by Peter Stearns et al, Addison Wesley Longman, 2003

AP Student Review Manual, by Stearns et al., 4th edition, Pearson Education Inc.

Additional Materials:

World History in Documents, by Stearns, New York University Press
Cracking the AP World History Exam, 2004-05, Princeton Review

Intended Curriculum:

This course is offered online through the PA Homeschoolers. Topics covered include World Political and Diplomatic History (wars, revolutions, political leaders, etc.); World Social/Economic history (global commerce, migrations, agricultural developments, etc.) and World Cultural/Intellectual History (art, literature, music of different civilizations and eras).


College English I

Textbooks:

Patterns for a Purpose: A Rhetorical Reader, by Barbara Fine Clouse, 4th edition, McGraw Hill

The Writer’s Harbrace Handbook Brief, 2nd edition, Thomson-Wadsworth

Intended Curriculum:

This course will be taken at Cincinnati Christian University as part of their PSEO(Post Secondary Education Opportunity) program. This is a general composition course enabling students to practice communicating in appropriate and effective forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Emphasis is placed on writing from different patterns of development with supplemental material covering grammar and research.


Acts of the Apostles

Textbooks:

Acts, The College Press NIV Commentary – by Dennis Gaertner

Acts, The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, by I. Howard Marshall

Intended Curriculum:

This course will also be taken at Cincinnati Christian University as part of their PSEO program. The course is an introduction to the study of the New Testament involving exegesis of the text of Acts, consideration of relevant historical material, discussion of controversial and practical aspects of the book, and orientation to the setting of the New Testament epistles.

Whew....Makes me tired just to think about this. But, Sean is very bright and he's up to the challenge. I'll keep you posted on his progress.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Home School through High School

Just received an e-mail from HSLDA (the Home School Legal Defense Association). They are offering a New Homeschooling Thru High School Program

Here's what they have to say about it:

Today, HSLDA is launching a new program to aid and encourage parents
teaching high school aged children. Go to the Homeschooling Thru High
School pages on HSLDA's website to see:

- Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Curriculum resource lists and links
- Record keeping and transcript resources
- Testing resources
- College admissions information
- Plus lots more...

Check out their new pages here. These pages will be updated regularly HSLDA says.


HSLDA is also offering a new email publication "Homeschooling Thru
High School" which will provide regular encouragement and guidance for
families who are homeschooling through high school. You can sign up
here.


If you are already a HSLDA member, HSLDA is offering the services of two high school
coordinators to answer specific questions, provide general advice, and offer encouragement. Read about others' homeschooling experience on the website, email them through the "Members Only" section of the HSLDA website, or call them by phone.
Members can contact their Homeschooling Thru High School Coordinators
here.

HSLDA is also offering this special:

To encourage member families who are homeschooling through high school, HSLDA is offering SAT Power Prep, a SAT preparation CD-ROM package. This CD-ROM program retails for $199.95. But through a special program funded by NFL players, 3,000 copies have been made available for HSLDA members for just $9.95--the cost of shipping and handling.

HSLDA has also set aside some of the SAT Power Prep CDs for new members who join during the month of August. If you have not joined HSLDA and would like to, now is the time! For more information on this offer go
here.

I recently added a page on my website about homeschooling in high school. Go to
my high school home school page to check it out.

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Thanks La Shawn!

I'm feeling a little under the weather today. Got a cold and lack energy and motivation. Yesterday was spent gathering piles upon piles of excess "stuff" from our house to donate to an area yard sale being held to raise funds for a fellow homeschool mom going through a hard time. I'm still recuperating from that, too. We will get back to our Harry Potter discussion soon.

In the meantime I want to take a minute and thank
La Shawn Barber for the hat tip to my blog. She also recognized several other bloggin' homeschool mommas. Here's the quote:

Hooray for Homeschooling Moms!: Christian Home School Teachers’ Lounge, Homeschool Blogger, The Classical Family, Spunky Homeschool…

La Shawn, for those that don't know, writes a political blog that has her ranked (according to the
truth laid bear statistics which ranks by links) in the same category (mortal human) with noteworthy bloggers such as James Lileks,and Hugh Hewitt. She's a Christian, Liberal--turned-Independent, feisty lady who never lacks an opinion that's fun to read. I identify with her for a more personal reason as well (Here's my story, La Shawn's is linked in her "about" section of her site).

Maybe you'd like to start a blog. If so, La Shawn has a blog consulting business (how does she do it all!) called The Language Artist. What's great to see is people who help others succeed in the same way they were helped along the way. I promise to do the same as I get the opportunity. Thanks, La Shawn!

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com

Harry Potter, Part 2

Should Christians be reading Harry Potter? Should they be seeing the movies? This question was recently debated among my fellow home school CHEC members. There was deep discussion on both sides of the issue proving HP is quite the troublesome topic for many Christians. Therefore, I thought I’d share a little bit from a book I’m currently reading on the topic. I’m going to break up the book discussion into several parts which may take a few days. Keep coming back to get the entire discussion.

Looking for God in Harry Potter, Is there Christian meaning hidden in the bestselling books? That’s the question author John Granger puts to his readers. The book was published in 2004 by Tyndale. Publishers state (in the preface) their hope is for the book to serve as a bridge to a growth in faith and spiritual understanding for the millions of young Harry Potter readers. (You can purchase the book by clicking on the image in the sidebar if you'd like to follow along in your own book for this discussion.)

I find John Granger’s background very interesting so let’s start there. He’s a “traditional Christian” (his term). He and his wife home school their seven children and they don’t watch TV. He was not a Harry Potter fan in the beginning. His eleven-year-old daughter was given the book and John read it with one goal in mind: to be specific when he explained to her why their family doesn’t read such trash. The problem: He loved the books.

Perhaps John Granger's fascination with HP is J.K. Rowling and Granger have incredibly similar educational backgrounds and literary tastes. Both are very-well read in the classics (Cicero, Virgil, Homer, Plato, etc. Both have studied several languages. Both appreciate such a English greats as Dickens, Austen, and C.S. Lewis.

Granger became an authority on Harry Potter after he announced at a C. S. Lewis society meeting that the Potter books were great English writing rather than "occult trash." That peaked interest among conference attendees. Today John has become quite the Harry Potter expert. He is, in fact, referred to as the "Harry Potter Professor" at Barnes and Noble University. He also uses Harry Potter to teach English literature online at www.HogwartsProfessor.com and in his classes at Peninsula College in Port Townsend, Washington.

Tomorrow we'll begin discussing the first few chapters of Looking for God in Harry Potter. Brew a cup of java and join us!

Until we meet in the teachers' lounge again,

Linda W. Kelley

www.Christian-Parenting-Source.com