No T.V.? Read a Book

Since turning the satelite off over a month ago evenings at our house have been a bit quieter. Instead of fighting over the remote and arguing over what television show to watch we now have read aloud time. This week as part of our schooling we have started reading about Cameron Townsend. Until recieving the book with "My Father's World-Exploring Countries and Cultures" last month i had never heard of Cameron Townsend and had no idea who he was. So it has been a real treat to learn about the man who started Wycliffe Bible Translators. We are only three chapters into the book-reading the fourth tonight-but the children and i look forward to this time now. The question is no longer, "Can we watch Disney Channel?" but, "When are you going to read to us?". They are learning far more from this man who died in 1982 than they ever learned watching "Hannah Montana". Last night we read how Cameron Townsend started his mission work in Guatemala. When i finished the chapter, Rachel wanted to find Guatemala on the world map so we enjoyed gathering around and testing our map finding skills which we have been honing in our Geography lessons. In the 4+ years i have been homeschooling i do not remember a time when the children have been more enthusiastic about their studies. I don't remember a time that i have been more excited myself. By the way, it has dawned on me that i have not shared the title of the book we are reading. My apologies. The title is, "Cameron Townsend: Good News in Every Language" by Janet & Jeff Benge. It is just one in a series of "Christian Heroes: Then & Now". In the coming months we will be reading about others in this series. With names like Amy Carmichael, George Muller, Nate Saint, Gladys Aylward and David Livingstone i am sure they will all be good. Television? Don't miss it. Besides, we do still have the Wii. We haven't gone cold turkey just yet.

Homeschooling: The Thrill is Back!

This image of children having fun learning and enjoying the great outdoors is brought to you compliments of "My Father's World-Exploring Countries and Cultures". Since our first day of school last Monday(8-11) some interesting things have been taking place. The children and i are thoroughly enjoying homeschooling again! We try to start school every day at 8:00. No problem. They are ready and ASKING to start school at 7:30! Brogan and Reece were actually disappointed when we didn't have school over the weekend. Rachel enjoys reading and would rather help me with her brothers who are in Kindergarten and working through "My Father's World From A to Z"than play the Wii. She now says she wants to be a teacher. The little ones are so excited to be learning the days of creation,numbers and the alphabet. The older two are fascinated by geography,science and learning about different countries and cultures. I am feeling much smarter myself! As their teacher i am relearning so much of what i have forgotten over the years. "My Father's World" has also sparked everyone's creativity, including my own. We have music and art three days a week because creativity is very much encouraged in this curriculum. Every Wednesday we enjoy a Nature Walk and that is what we are doing in this picture. This was our first one, we are eagerly awaiting tomorrow's walk when we will start our leaf and bark collection. To say that i am thoroughy impressed with MFW would be an undersatement. This is the curriculum i have so desperately seeking since we started homeschooling 4 years ago. I am so grateful a friend told me about "My Father's World" and thank God for this wonderful opportunity to teach my children in what is turning out be a great adventure! Stay tuned readers, there will be more to share in the days and weeks ahead...